As in their previous four matches, Carlos Alcaraz had to dig deep against Arthur Rinderknech in Doha.
World no. 1 saved two set points in the second set and earned a 6-4, 7-6 victory in an hour and 47 minutes.
CARLOS. ALCARAZ. 🤯 🔥
The World No. 1 is on fire in Doha!#QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/tXrqfhU51I
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 17, 2026
The Spaniard admitted it was a tough match, especially at the start of the tournament. He described the Frenchman as a dangerous rival and as one to avoid, especially in the opening matches.
Competing for the first time since conquering the Australian Open crown, world no. 1 liked how he played and fought. He overcame the first hurdle and the challenging moments, which pleases him a lot.
The El Palmar native will try to extend the winning streak and seek his second title of the season. Alcaraz claimed ten points more than his rival and outplayed him in the mid-range exchanges with five to eight shots.
Carlos Alcaraz & Arthur Rinderknech, Doha 2026© Stream screenshot
He tamed his strokes nicely and defended those two set points in the closing stages of the second set. Rinderknech saved five of six break points and fought well, missing an opportunity to force a decider.
The favorite served well in the opener and created six break chances in three straight return games. Arthur sprayed a drop shot error at 2-2 to experience a break and fall behind.
The Frenchman denied three break points in the seventh game and stayed in touch. However, the young gun held at 5-4 after a deuce with a volley winner to close the first part of the duel after 51 minutes.
They served well in the second set. Alcaraz held at love in the tenth game for 5-5 before facing issues two games later. Carlos denied two set points with fine hitting and held to introduce a tie break.
There were no mini-breaks in the opening eight points. The Spaniard stepped in on the return at 4-4 and drew the Frenchman's mistake for the first advantage. World no. 1 fired a service winner at 5-4 for two match points.
Arthur Rinderknech, Doha 2026© Stream screenshot
Arthur landed a sharp return on the first and reduced the gap to 6-5. Instead of more drama, Alcaraz seized the second match point with a forehand down the line winner to move into the second round.
"It was a tough match, as always with the first duel. I know Arthur well; he is always a dangerous player, especially if you face him in the early rounds. He is one of the opponents you would rather avoid.
I'm happy with the level I showed on the court. I'm pleased to have overcome this first hurdle, and to have managed the difficult moments that arose during the match well. That's where I was most composed and positive.
I think I played a good level of tennis, and I'm happy with the victory. I hope to continue this streak," Carlos Alcaraz said.
