Alcaraz and Sinner Awarded $1.2M for Doha Appearances; Alcaraz Storms Through Windy Hit with Tsitsipas
Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz and world No. 2 Jannik Sinner were paid hefty appearance compensations of $1. 2 million each to compete at the ATP 500 in Doha (Feb. 16–21, ET). Off-court incentives have become a clear factor in elite players’ scheduling, even as on-court form remains the primary draw for fans and organizers.
Million-dollar appearance fees highlight Doha's pulling power
An investigation in Italy revealed that the two stars received roughly $1. 2 million apiece as professional service compensation — a mechanism allowed under ATP rules for 250- and 500-level events to entice marquee names. That payout nearly doubles the actual champion’s prize in Doha, where the tournament awards $529, 945 to the winner and $285, 095 to the runner-up. For top players, those appearance payments can eclipse what they might win through match results alone, making select events financially attractive even outside the Masters 1000 and Grand Slams.
Qatar has poured substantial resources into tennis over recent decades, and the Doha tournament has evolved from an ATP 250 event into a 500-level stop starting in 2025, a change driven by player support and the event’s ability to draw top talent. The capital’s hard courts have hosted a roll call of future and former world No. 1s, reinforcing the event’s status as a high-profile early-season stop.
Alcaraz breezes through windy practice, ready for Tuesday return (ET)
On-court, Alcaraz looked in fine shape during a one-hour practice session on Grandstand at the Khalifa International Complex, facing off with Stefanos Tsitsipas. The world No. 1 closed out the workout 6-3, 2-0 before the players wrapped, and spent time afterward signing autographs and posing with fans.
Wind and variable temperatures have been a recurring factor in Doha: hot by day and chilly at night, with gusts complicating rhythm and ball flight. Alcaraz’s team monitored expected conditions ahead of his scheduled first-round match on Tuesday, Feb. 16 (ET), where he will open against Arthur Rinderknech. If he advances, a meeting with Frenchman Valentin Royer awaits on Wednesday (ET).
Alcaraz’s preparations were pragmatic: work through the elements, fine-tune timing, and manage energy for a compact ATP 500 schedule. The practice against Tsitsipas — a recent rival and quality foil — offered match-like intensity without the stakes of ranking points, allowing the Spaniard to test adjustments for wind-affected serving and baseline rallies.
What this means for the early season
Appearance fees of this magnitude underline the commercial dynamics shaping tournament fields. For players balancing ranking objectives, physical load and financial incentives, selective participation in higher-paying events can influence the calendar. For fans, having the two best players in the same draw outside a Masters or Slam creates rare viewing opportunities and boosts the tournament’s profile.
On the court, Alcaraz’s visible comfort in practice will be watched closely when match play begins. A strong showing in Doha would serve as both a warmup and a statement as the season accelerates toward bigger events. Off the court, the large compensations reflect the continued role of investment in ensuring premium lineups at marquee non-Major tournaments.
