Alcaraz continues perfect 2026 with fifth straight win over Rinderknech
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 7-6 (5) on Tuesday evening. He’ll play Valentin Royer in the next round
Carlos Alcaraz, Doha 2026 | © Imago / PsNewz
World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz marked his return to competition with a 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory over Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday to reach the Qatar ExxonMobil Open last 16.
The 22-year-old Spaniard was playing his first match since his historic Australian Open triumph, where he became the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam. Maintaining his undefeated 8-0 record for the season, the top seed extended his career head-to-head dominance over the 30-year-old Frenchman to 5-0.
“It was really difficult”, Alcaraz said on court. “Arthur is always a really dangerous player. Nobody wants to play him in the first round. I’m happy with the level bu happy I got through. Difficult moments in the match but I stayed calm, positive and played such great tennis. Happy with the win and hopefully continue with the winning streak.”
In a tightly contested affair at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, the only break of the match arrived at 2-2 in the first set.
Alcaraz remained composed under pressure, saving the only two break points – but still set points – he faced during the second set before prevailing in the tiebreak. Following the match, the world No 30 Rinderknech shared a lighthearted moment with the Spaniard at the net, asking: “One time you’ll let me win?”
Alcaraz will face world No 57 Valentin Royer of France in the second round. Royer advanced to the last 16 of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open by defeating his compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-0, 6-3 on Monday.
DOHA OPEN 1ST ROUND
C. Alcaraz (1) – A. Rinderknech: 6-4, 7-6
V. Royer – P. Herbert (Q): 6-0, 6-3
M. Fucsovics – H. Habib (WC): 6-3, 6-3
K. Khachanov (7) – S. Mochizuki (LL): 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
D. Medvedev (4) – J. Shang (PR): 6-4, 6-2
S. Tsitsipas – M. Echargui (WC): 6-4, 6-4
F. Marozsan – U. Humbert: 6-3, 6-1
A. Rublev (5) – J. de Jong: to be played
J. Lehecka (8) – J. Brooksby: 6-3, 6-3
Z. Bergs – G. Mpetshi Perricard: to be played: 6-3, 6-7, 6-4
A. Fils – K. Majchrzak: 6-7[5], 6-3, 6-4
Q. Halys (LL) – P. Carreno Busta (Q): 4-6, 7-5, 6-3
J. Mensik (6) – J. Choinski (Q): 6-7[6], 6-2, 6-4
Z. Zhang (PR) – R. Carballes Baena (Q): 6-4, 6-4
A. Popyrin – M. Zayid (WC): 6-0, 6-2
J. Sinner (2) – T. Machac: 6-1, 6-4
