Carlos Alcaraz makes ‘really difficult’ admission after winning first match since Australian Open triumph
Carlos Alcaraz admitted navigating “difficult moments” as he secured a hard-fought victory in his return to competitive action at the Qatar Open in Doha.
The Spanish top seed overcame a stern examination from Arthur Rinderknech, eventually prevailing 6-4 7-6 (7-5) against the unseeded Frenchman in the opening round.
“It was really difficult,” Alcaraz said following the contest.
“Arthur is a really dangerous player. Nobody wants to play against him in the first round, I’m happy with the level.
“I’m happy that I got through difficult moments in the match.”
The 22-year-old was forced to fend off two set points in the second set before clinching the tie-break.
Alcaraz made a confident start to proceedings, breaking his opponent’s serve to establish a 3-2 advantage in the opening set.
Carlos Alcaraz was too strong for Arthur Rinderknech at the Qatar Open
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REUTERS
The world No 1 maintained his composure from that point, wrapping up the first set with an elegant volley at the net.
However, Rinderknech, ranked 30th globally, raised his performance considerably in the second set and appeared poised to force a decider.
The Frenchman earned two opportunities to level the match at 6-5, but Alcaraz demonstrated his champion’s mentality by saving both set points.
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The Spaniard ultimately sealed the tie-break and concluded the contest with a precise forehand winner down the line.
This marked Alcaraz’s first competitive outing since his triumph at the Australian Open last month, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final.
That Melbourne victory saw the Spaniard claim his seventh Grand Slam title and etch his name into tennis history as the youngest male player ever to complete the career Grand Slam.
The achievement placed Alcaraz in an elite group of players who have won all four major championships during their careers.
His return to the court in Qatar demonstrated that the young champion remains in formidable form, despite the weight of expectation that accompanies his historic accomplishment in Australia just weeks ago.
Alcaraz struck 28 winners throughout the encounter, underlining his aggressive approach despite the challenging nature of the match.
Carlos Alcaraz is dreaming of Qatar Open glory
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REUTERS
The triumph also marks his 150th tour-level victory on hard courts.
His unbeaten run in 2026 now extends to eight consecutive matches, maintaining a perfect record since the season began.
Alcaraz will next face Valentin Royer in the second round after the Frenchman dispatched compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert in emphatic fashion, winning 6-0 6-3.
The young champion will be seeking to continue his impressive momentum as he builds towards the remainder of the season following his historic Australian Open success.
