Carlos Alcaraz got through a tricky first-round test at the Qatar Open in Doha, edging past unseeded Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) in his first match since winning the Australian Open. 

The 22-year-old top seed, fresh off becoming the youngest male player to complete a career Grand Slam, had to save two set points in the second set before sealing victory with a crisp forehand down the line.

Alcaraz started strong, breaking early to lead 3-2 and closing out the first set with a neat volley. Rinderknech fought back in the second, earning two set points at 6-5, but Alcaraz’s 28 winners helped him survive the scare and take the tie break.

The win is now his 150th hard-court tour-level victory and extends his perfect 2026 start to 8-0, setting up a second-round clash with France’s Valentin Royer.