Carlos Alcaraz made a winning return to action at the Qatar Open, defeating France’s Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 7-6(5) in Doha. Playing his first match since winning the Australian Open and completing a career Grand Slam, the top seed faced a stern test, saving two set points in the second set before sealing victory in a tie-break.
The 22-year-old Spaniard struck 28 winners and secured his 150th tour-level hard-court win, extending his unbeaten start to the 2026 season to 8-0. Alcaraz will next face fellow Frenchman Valentin Royer in the second round as he continues his strong run.