Carlos Alcaraz defeated Arthur Rinderknech, 6-4, 7-6, in the first round of the 2026 Qatar Open.
The Spaniard made a winning return, playing his first match since completing the Career Grand Slam in Melbourne.
Alcaraz was made to work hard for his place in the second round, though, as Rinderknech pushed him close and even earned himself two set points.
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Unable to convert, Rinderknech was forced into a second-set tiebreaker, which he lost, 5-7.
Picking up the win, Alcaraz notched his 150th career hard-court victory, closing the gap to Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
Carlos Alcaraz is third behind Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic in hard-court win % leaderboard
Alcaraz has won 78% of his hard-court matches on the ATP Tour.
That puts him third in the list of active ATP players, behind Sinner and Djokovic.
Active ATP players with highest hard-court win %
| Rank | Player | Country | Hard-court win % | Hard-court W-L |
| 1 | Novak Djokovic | Serbia | 84% | 739-137 |
| 2 | Jannik Sinner | Italy | 81% | 233-53 |
| 3 | Carlos Alcaraz | Spain | 78% | 150-42 |
| 4 | Daniil Medvedev | Russia | 73% | 333-122 |
| 5 | Alexander Zverev | Germany | 69% | 312-140 |
He does, however, have a long way to go if he wants to catch Sinner or Djokovic.
Alcaraz would need to win his next 35 hard-court matches to surpass Sinner’s win %.
And he’d need to win his next 77 to overtake Djokovic.
His win against Rinderknech was a step in the right direction, but he’s still got work to do…
‘Nobody wants to play against him – Carlos Alcaraz gives his verdict on Arthur Rinderknech
Alcaraz wasn’t concerned with win percentages in his on-court interview and instead shared his thoughts on the match.
“It was really difficult,” he said.
“Arthur [Rinderknech] is always a really dangerous player; facing him in the first round, nobody wants to play against him in the first round!
“Happy with the level, happy that I got through difficult moments in the match, stayed calm, stayed positive, and just played great tennis.
“Happy with the win and hopefully [I can] continue the winning streak.”
Alcaraz’s winning streak currently stands at eight matches.
Carlos Alcaraz’s winning streak
- 1. 2026 Australian Open 1R [WIN] vs Adam Walton
- 2. 2026 Australian Open 2R [WIN] vs Yannick Hanfmann
- 3. 2026 Australian Open 3R [WIN] vs Corentin Moutet
- 4. 2026 Australian Open 4R [WIN] vs Tommy Paul
- 5. 2026 Australian Open QF [WIN] vs Alex de Minaur
- 6. 2026 Australian Open SF [WIN] vs Alexander Zverev
- 7. 2026 Australian Open F [WIN] vs Novak Djokovic
- 8. 2026 Qatar Open 1R [WIN] vs Arthur Rinderknech
A title in Doha and Alcaraz could extend his winning streak to 12.
He’ll first look to pick up win number nine when he takes on Valentin Royer on Wednesday, February 18.
Colin Fleming says Carlos Alcaraz hit ‘dream’ match point against Arthur Rinderknech
During Sky Sports’ post-match coverage, former British tennis pro Colin Fleming shared his thoughts on Alcaraz’s win.
“A thoroughly enjoyable contest between these two, a nice embrace at the net, wasn’t it?” he said.
“Alcaraz just flicking the turbo switch to get the job done.”
The Scot commented on Alcaraz’s brilliant match point-winner, which sealed his place in the second round.
“I mean, that’s the sort of match point you dream of, isn’t it?” said Fleming.
“The running forehand ripper down the line, have some of that!”
He also credited Rinderknech for playing his part in an exhilarating first-round match.
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“I think his [Rinderknech’s] game style brings out the best in Alcaraz, in many ways, the shot making, the improvisational skills,” said Fleming.
“The level he played in the second set got Alcaraz’s attention.
“He had that little chance, didn’t he, at 6-5, the two set points, especially that second set point, just nudge that ball down the line, and maybe we’re still playing a third set.
“He played his part in a really entertaining, high-level contest.
“But ultimately, a really strong first match for Alcaraz since completing the career Grand Slam in Melbourne.
“Rinderknech pushed him tonight, but when it mattered most, Alcaraz stepped up and got it done.”
Alcaraz has now won all five matches he’s played against Rinderknech.
Only time will tell who will emerge victorious when they meet for a sixth time on the ATP Tour.
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