Daijiworld Media Network – Qatar
Qatar, Feb 18: World number one Carlos Alcaraz made a strong return to competitive action following his Australian Open triumph, defeating France’s Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) in the opening round of the Qatar Open in Doha on Tuesday.
Alcaraz, who recently became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam with his victory in Melbourne, was tested by the 30th-ranked Rinderknech in a tightly fought contest. The Spaniard, however, held his nerve in crucial moments to seal the win in straight sets.
“It was really difficult. Arthur is a really dangerous player. Nobody wants to play against him in the first round,” Alcaraz said after the match. “I’m happy with the level. I’m happy that I got through difficult moments in the match. I stayed calm and positive, and played great tennis.”
Alcaraz secured the first set after breaking serve in the fifth game. The second set proved more challenging, with Rinderknech earning his first break points while Alcaraz served to force a tie-break. The top seed saved both and went on to clinch victory with a stunning forehand winner down the line on match point.
He will next face another Frenchman, 60th-ranked Valentin Royer, in the second round.
Alcaraz’s chief rival Jannik Sinner is positioned on the opposite side of the draw. Notably, no player other than Alcaraz or Sinner has claimed a tour-level title at an event featuring both since Andrey Rublev triumphed in Madrid in May 2024.
Rublev progressed to the second round with a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 victory over Dutchman Jesper de Jong.
Elsewhere, seventh seed Karen Khachanov, a former champion, battled past Japanese lucky loser Shintaro Mochizuki in three sets. Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Tunisian wild card Moez Echargui to set up a clash with 2023 winner Daniil Medvedev.
Meanwhile, Jiri Lehecka, who had knocked Alcaraz out of last year’s tournament, cruised past American Jenson Brooksby in straight sets in his opening match.
Alcaraz, who exited in the quarter-finals on his Doha debut last year, will be aiming for a deeper run this time as the competition intensifies in the coming rounds.