Alcaraz knows how to suffer to defeat Rinderknech in his debut in Doha

Pedro de Pablos | 17 Feb 2026 | 17.38

Alcaraz knows how to suffer to defeat Rinderknech in his debut in Doha.

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Carlos Alcaraz has extended his great form at the ATP Doha 2026. After completing the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final, the ATP's number one has made a tough debut with a victory against Arthur Rinderknech, whom he defeated 6-4 and 7-6(5) after 1 hour and 45 minutes of play.

The French player tried to disrupt Alcaraz with constant changes of pace to avoid long rallies, but the player from Murcia managed to withstand the tough moments to maximize the opportunities he had while returning, producing some points that will be among the tournament's best highlights. Additionally, this victory brings him closer to clinching the title at the ATP Doha 2026, where his best result is reaching the quarterfinals last year.

A break is enough for Alcaraz in the first set

Alcaraz started the match in top gear, and as soon as Rinderknech wavered on serve, the first break points came in the second service game. However, the French player showcased two fantastic volleys to keep the score level. Nevertheless, with a 2-2 tie, the world number one once again applied pressure on the return, and this time he got rewarded with a break on his first opportunity.

Despite missing more chances, the Murcian player did not face any break points on his serve. When it came to closing out at 5-4 on the scoreboard, he faced more difficulty, reaching deuce, but eventually a prodigious volley allowed him to seal the set by 6-4 in a set where the score could have been even more lopsided, as he displayed a high level of tennis. Rinderknech, on the other hand, appeared too inconsistent, alternating winners with numerous unforced errors.

Alcaraz saves two set points against Rinderknech

The French player had to play at his limit if he wanted to challenge Alcaraz and attempt to shorten the points as much as possible. Although that had its risks, in the second set, he competed toe to toe with the Spanish player. With a mix of aces and risky forehands, the French player managed to hold serve without major complications, much like the Murcian player. In fact, whenever the point went beyond four strokes, Rinderknech resorted to a 'hit and move on' strategy.

Nevertheless, some remarkable points were seen, especially when Arthur attempted drop shots that allowed Alcaraz to showcase his speed. Rinderknech won few of them, mostly playing them out of desperation due to his inability to threaten Alcaraz from the baseline. It was either that or approaching the net, which allowed the world number one to execute several trademark passing shots. In this set's flow, they reached 6-5, where the French player had two set points that Alcaraz saved by boldly moving to the net. Nerves of steel led to a tiebreak.

Alcaraz shows his experience in the tiebreak against Rinderknech

The tiebreak had everything, but ultimately, Alcaraz managed to come out on top thanks to the magic he always displays in the most tense moments. A winning forehand, another net approach, and a celebratory shout secured a mini-break leading 5-4, which soon turned into two match points. The first one slipped away on serve after a great return from Rinderknech, but on the second return, he conjured up a forehand on the run that granted him a direct ticket to the next round.

This hard-fought victory extends his winning streak to eight consecutive victories. In his second match at ATP Doha 2026, he will face Valentin Royer, ranked 60, who until yesterday had not secured a win this year. Therefore, the player from Murcia will be seen as a heavy favorite to claim victory and continue advancing in a tournament where he is eager to perform well and sustain the positive momentum.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz sabe sufrir para vencer a Rinderknech en su debut en Doha