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Carlos Alcaraz Wins Straight-Set Match in Doha
Top-seeded Spaniard defeats France's Arthur Rinderknech in first round of Qatar ExxonMobil Open
Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:55am
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Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, playing his first match since completing the career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, defeated France's Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the first round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. Alcaraz shook off two set points in the second set to force a tiebreaker, which he then won.
Why it matters
Alcaraz's victory marks his return to competition after his historic Australian Open triumph, where he became the youngest player to win all four Grand Slam titles. This match in Doha provides an early glimpse into Alcaraz's form as he looks to build on his success and continue his dominance on the ATP Tour.
The details
Rinderknech had two chances to finish the second set, but the Spaniard won both to force a tiebreaker, which he then won. Alcaraz hadn't faced a break point in the match until that moment. All seeded players in action on Tuesday advanced to the second round, including No. 5 Andrey Rublev, No. 7 Karen Khachanov, and No. 8 Jiri Lehecka.
- Alcaraz's match took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
The players
Carlos Alcaraz
A top-seeded Spanish tennis player who recently completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open, making him the youngest player to achieve this feat.
Arthur Rinderknech
A French tennis player who faced off against Alcaraz in the first round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.
The takeaway
Alcaraz's straight-set victory in Doha demonstrates his continued dominance on the ATP Tour following his historic Australian Open triumph. As the top seed, his performance will be closely watched as he looks to build momentum and solidify his status as one of the sport's elite players.
