Carlos Alcaraz is set to play Arthur Rinderknech in his first match since winning the Australian Open.
Alcaraz became the youngest player in men’s singles history to complete the Career Grand Slam after defeating Novak Djokovic in the Melbourne final.
After cementing his place in history alongside Bjorn Borg, Alcaraz immediately withdrew from the Rotterdam Open, surrendering the title he won in 2025.
Alcaraz has since travelled to Doha as he looks to win a second consecutive title at the Qatar Open.
Which member of the ‘Big Three’ is Carlos Alcaraz most similar to? Let us know why below👇
Ahead of the event, Alcaraz spoke about the possibility of facing Jannik Sinner in the Qatar Open final. Sinner, the second seed, last won a tournament at the 2025 ATP Finals.
Carlos Alcaraz discusses a potential Qatar Open final against Jannik Sinner
During Alcaraz’s pre-tournament press conference, one reporter asked the Spaniard: “Seems that everybody in every tournament that you and Jannik are playing, that everybody waits for the final.
“So does this kind of thinking please you, or is more stressful for you?”
Alcaraz replied: “Well, neither. I know how difficult is every match. Every match is such a different, our play is totally different.
“I think this draw is a really tough one for a 500 tournament. We can see the first matches how good matches that we have in the first round.”
Alcaraz is justified in expressing this sentiment. Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov, and Jakub Mensik are all competing at the event.
Alexander Bublik was also set to compete, but he withdrew from the event on Monday.
“So just thinking about, you know, a match at a time, and let’s see how far I can go,” Alcaraz continued.
“Obviously, my mind is trying to go as far as I can. You know, if it’s possible to play a final, obviously that would be great, and that’s what I’m looking for, so, let’s see.
“I’m not thinking about playing or just putting myself in the finals just too much early. I want to think day by day.”
What do you think is Carlos Alcaraz’s best surface and why?
If Alcaraz defeats Rinderknech on Monday, he will face Valentin Royer in the second round. Royer defeated compatriot Pierre Hugues-Herbert on Sunday.
As for Sinner, he defeated Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4 on Sunday, setting up a clash against Alexei Popyrin.
Carlos Alcaraz previews his match against Arthur Rinderknech
Well, he’s really tough,” Alcaraz said of Rinderknech. “I played a few times against him, and it’s always difficult playing against him.
“I’m just excited about playing my first match here this year. And, yeah, just excited about feeling the love from the people and how it’s going to be with them, how warm I’m going to be welcomed. It’s going to be interesting.
“I’m excited to play against him once again.”
Alcaraz is 4-0 against Rinderknech on the ATP Tour, winning against the Frenchman twice at the US Open and twice at the Queen’s Club Championships.
The 22-year-old last played Rinderknech on his way to the 2025 US Open title. Alcaraz won their fourth round match 7-6, 6-3, 6-4.
A month later, Rinderknech reached his first Masters 1000 final in Shanghai before losing to his cousin, Valentin Vacherot.
