Alcaraz a whirlwind in Doha practice, drops just three games against Tsitsipas ahead of return
carlos alcaraz produced a commanding practice session in Doha, conceding just three games against Stefanos Tsitsipas in a final tune-up before his official return to competition. The world No. 1 completed a sharp 6-3, 2-0 showing on the Grandstand at the Khalifa International Complex, then spent time signing autographs and posing for photographs with fans.
Wind and changing temperatures shape the final tune-up
The session was played under breezy conditions that tested both players' ball control and shot selection. Alcaraz and his team have factored the wind into preparations for his opening match, taking time to assess how gusts and temperature swings could affect serve placement and rally patterns. "It's hot by day and cold by night, the temperatures change a lot and there is always wind, " the Spaniard noted after practice, underscoring how environmental variables can alter timing and decision-making on court.
The hour-long workout on the Grandstand drew a sizeable crowd, at times outnumbering spectators on the central court. That atmosphere provided a useful rehearsal for match intensity and crowd dynamics ahead of the tournament's early rounds. With gusts moving the ball more in the air than under usual indoor conditions, both players adjusted trajectories and ranged for more aggressive court positioning when the wind allowed.
Prepared for the draw: Rinderknech first, Royer waiting
Alcaraz is scheduled to begin his Open 500 campaign on Tuesday in Doha against Arthur Rinderknech. The Frenchman arrives off recent match play but was on the wrong end of a loss to Tsitsipas last week, a match that set up this practice pairing as a timely rehearsal for Alcaraz. The Spanish champion and his coaching team worked on cutting errors and sharpening the forehand inside-out angles that have become a staple of his offensive game.
If Alcaraz advances from the first round, his projected next opponent is another Frenchman, Valentin Royer, who moved convincingly past his own compatriot in straight sets. The quick turnaround between rounds and the variability of wind and temperature in Doha mean conditioning, recovery and tactical flexibility will be priorities for the top seed as the week unfolds.
Following practice, Alcaraz paused for a brief fan interaction, spending roughly ten minutes signing autographs and taking photos with supporters, including a number of Spanish fans based in the city. Those moments reinforced his broad appeal and offered a relaxed counterpoint to an otherwise focused preparation day led by his coaching staff, including Samuel López.
With the official return set for Tuesday and the conditions in Doha continuing to be a talking point, Alcaraz's polished showing against a high-caliber opponent like Tsitsipas will provide confidence. The session served as more than just hitting — it was a simulation of match rhythms, wind-adjusted shot selection, and crowd energy management that should pay dividends once the tournament points and prize money are on the line.
As the week progresses, attention will shift from practice performances to match execution. For now, the message from Alcaraz and his team is clear: fine-tune the timing, respect the elements, and bring the same intensity that made him the world No. 1 into the opening exchanges in Doha.
