Alcaraz blazes through Doha practice with Tsitsipas, concedes only three games in final tune-up
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz delivered a commanding practice session in Doha on Monday (ET), wrapping up a 6-3, 2-0 advantage over Stefanos Tsitsipas before the pair called it a day. The Murcia native treated a sizeable crowd on the Grandstand at Khalifa International Complex to a sharp look at his form ahead of his Open 500 opener on Tuesday (ET) against Arthur Rinderknech.
Wind and conditions shape a focused session
The practice unfolded under the blustery conditions that have been a talking point in the Qatari capital. Alcaraz and his team monitored the forecast closely, mindful that gusts can alter ball flight and timing. The reigning world No. 1 said the temperature swings—hot by day and cooler at night—combined with persistent wind to make adjustments necessary for both serve and groundstrokes.
Despite the elements, Alcaraz moved through patterns with intent. The Spaniard closed out the session having lost just three games, an efficient scoreline against a player of Tsitsipas's calibre. Play lasted around an hour on the Grandstand court, where attendance rivalled that of the centre court, underscoring the star pull of the young champion.
Preparation, personality and the path forward
At 22, carlos alcaraz continues to blend intense preparation with a fan-friendly presence. After practice he stayed for roughly 10 minutes to pose for photos and sign autographs, including with a contingent of fans from Spain now living in Doha. The brief interaction reinforced his status as a crowd favourite and the kind of draw who turns closed sessions into small events.
Alcaraz's coaching team, led by Samuel López alongside his other staff, remains meticulous. Beyond tactical tweaks, they have factored in external variables such as wind patterns when mapping out the early rounds. If Alcaraz clears his opening match against Rinderknech, the projected next opponent would be Frenchman Valentin Royer, who advanced with a straight-sets win in his opening encounter.
The session with Tsitsipas was more than a confidence builder; it offered a concrete rehearsal for the conditions expected during match play. Tsitsipas, who had eliminated Rinderknech in Rotterdam last week, provided a timely benchmark for Alcaraz to test both rhythm and shot selection under pressure.
Outlook for the Doha return
The coming days will measure how well the practice translated into match form. Alcaraz's game relies on explosive movement, heavy hitting and tactical variety, elements that can be nudged by wind but were largely on display during the drill. The controlled scoreline suggests he is moving in the right direction, with serve placement and forehand depth particular areas of focus.
Fans and tournament staff will watch closely when he takes the court Tuesday (ET) for his official return to the tour. The margin for error in early rounds can be slim, but the dominant rehearsal against a top opponent gives Alcaraz a favorable head start as he seeks to defend momentum in his first competitive appearance in Doha.
Whatever the result, the practice reinforced a simple reality: when carlos alcaraz is firing, he can turn brief tune-ups into statements. The question now is whether that intensity carries through match by match as the draw begins to take shape.
