Alcaraz: "The goal is not results, but to keep growing"

Iker Jiménez | 15 Feb 2026 | 17.17

Alcaraz: "The goal is not results, but to keep growing." Source: Getty

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The return of Carlos Alcaraz to the circuit always generates excitement, but this time it comes with a particularly significant context. The Spaniard is back in competition at the ATP 500 in Doha after being crowned champion at the Australian Open, a title that completed the Career Grand Slam at 22 years old and marked an unbeatable start to the season.

The world number one lands in Qatar after a few weeks away from competition but not from work. Alcaraz has taken advantage of this break to reinforce specific aspects of his game and regain energy after the physical and emotional strain of winning a Grand Slam. His season's start, based on results and sensations, positions him once again as the top favorite alongside Jannik Sinner in his return to competition.

Eager to get back on the court

"It's good to be back on the court again. I've been training well. Obviously, what I did in Australia was incredible for me, and I still think about it a bit," acknowledged the Spaniard, making it clear that, despite the great success achieved, he still believes he can improve certain aspects. "But tennis is about moving forward tournament after tournament. Every tournament is very good, special, and you want to give 100%."

His debut in Doha comes against Arthur Rinderknech, an opponent he dominates in head-to-head, but who represents a challenging opponent due to his aggressive style and powerful serve, especially dangerous on fast surfaces. Alcaraz himself was cautious when analyzing the match: "He's a very tough opponent. I've played him several times and it's always difficult to face him. I'm looking forward to playing my first match here this year."

The Spaniard is aware of the difficulty of the draw and the demands of competing in an event with so many notable names. "I know how difficult each match is. I believe this draw is very tough for an ATP 500. Just look at the first matches and the great matchups already in the first round," he explained, emphasizing his philosophy of advancing step by step. "I only think about going match by match and see how far I can go."

Possible reunion with Sinner

One of the main focuses of the tournament is a possible reunion with Jannik Sinner. However, Alcaraz avoids looking too far ahead and focuses his attention on the process of personal and sporting growth. "My team and I have set some goals for this tournament. We're not talking about results at all. It's more about continuing in the process of getting better."

"Obviously, I can see that I've been very successful so far, winning the biggest tournaments in the world," analyzed Alcaraz self-critically. "But I still see weaknesses in myself. Many players are trying to catch up with me: they study my game, how I play, try to beat me... I have to be prepared for that."

Doha represents much more than a simple return. It's the beginning of a new stretch of the season, an opportunity to regain competitive rhythm, and a perfect stage to see how far a player can continue to grow, who even after achieving major successes, remains obsessed with improving every day.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz: "El objetivo no son resultados, sino seguir creciendo"

Carlos Alcaraz