Alcaraz overcomes Rinderknech test to reach last 16 in Doha

Doha, Qatar: Carlos Alcaraz made a victorious start to his Qatar ExxonMobil Open campaign at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Do...

Doha, Qatar: Carlos Alcaraz made a victorious start to his Qatar ExxonMobil Open campaign at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday, withstanding a challenge from Arthur Rinderknech to advance with a 6-4, 7-6(5) win.

Playing his first match since lifting the Australian Open title and becoming the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam, the world No.1 was tested throughout yesterday’s Round of 32 clash by World No. 30 Rinderknech.

Alcaraz saved two set points on serve in a tense second set before prevailing in the tie-break to secure his 150th tour-level hard-court win.

“Well, I think it was a great level,” Alcaraz said of his opponent after the match.

“It’s always, I’m going to say, a nightmare, playing the first round against Rinderknech, to be honest. But I think we put up great points. I’m just happy with the way that I performed today. It’s a positive first round, and hopefully, keep it going in the next round,” the 22-year-old said.