Carlos Alcaraz battles past Arthur Rinderknech in Qatar Open return
Carlos Alcaraz overcame a resilient Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets to mark a winning return to action following his historic Australian Open triumph.
The top seed was forced to save two set points in the second set before securing a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory in the Qatar Open first round.
It marked the Spaniard’s first competitive appearance since defeating Novak Djokovic in Melbourne to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
Hard-fought victory in Doha
“It was really difficult,” said Alcaraz.
“Arthur is a really dangerous player. Nobody wants to play against him in the first round, I’m happy with the level.”
The 22-year-old began with intent, breaking to lead 3-2 before sealing the opener with a delicate volley at the net.
However, world number 30 Rinderknech raised his level significantly in the second set.
The Frenchman earned two set points at 6-5, but the seven-time major winner found his range when it mattered most.
Aided by 28 winners throughout the contest, Alcaraz forced a tie-break and clinched the match with a decisive forehand down the line.
“I’m happy that I got through difficult moments in the match,” the world number one added.
Victory brought up a milestone 150th tour-level win on hard courts for Alcaraz.
It also extended his flawless start to the 2026 season to an 8-0 record.
He will now face France’s Valentin Royer, who defeated compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert earlier in the day.
Fitness issues hit Dubai Championships
Elsewhere, the Dubai Tennis Championships continued to be disrupted by player fitness concerns.
Fifth seed Mirra Andreeva advanced without hitting a ball after opponent Daria Kasatkina withdrew prior to their second-round tie.
Belinda Bencic, seeded ninth, also received a walkover following the withdrawal of Sara Bejlek.
On court, Paula Badosa retired after losing the first set 6-4 to Elina Svitolina.
German qualifier Ella Seidel also pulled out of her match against Jaqueline Cristian after dropping the opener 6-0.
These departures follow nine withdrawals in the first round, which necessitated seven lucky losers entering the main draw.
WTA launches calendar review council
Amidst ongoing concerns over player welfare, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced the creation of a “Tour Architecture Council”.
The body aims to address sustainability issues within the current calendar.
WTA chair Valerie Camillo stated the schedule “does not feel sustainable for players given the physical, professional and personal pressures”.
Jessica Pegula, the American world number five, will chair the new council.
The group will include former world number one Victoria Azarenka alongside tournament directors and tour chiefs.
Their objective is to develop improvements to the framework which could be implemented as early as the 2027 season.