Alcaraz’s Winning Momentum Continues

Carlos Alcaraz is looking to extend his remarkable run of form at the 2026 Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. The Spaniard, fresh off his Australian Open triumph, will begin his campaign against Arthur Rinderknech. His recent performance includes 11 finals have followed in 12 tournaments played, which have earned him eight titles.

The tournament, established in 1993, has seen 25 champions, and Alcaraz will be aiming to become the 26th. He will have three days to adjust to the conditions before his opening match, including the blue court surface and potential temperature drops due to desert winds.

Breaking Records at the Top

Alcaraz will begin his 59th week as the world No. 1 on Monday, surpassing American Jim Courier and becoming the thirteenth longest-serving ATP leader since the ranking system began in 1973.

He currently holds a 2,850-point lead over Jannik Sinner, his closest competitor, who is similarly participating in the Doha event. Alcaraz is guaranteed to remain at the top of the rankings until the Miami Open.

Potential Road to the Final

The draw sets up a potential semi-final clash with Daniil Medvedev, whom Alcaraz recently defeated in straight sets to reach the Doha Open final, showcasing the form that made him a Grand Slam champion. He secured a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev.

Second seed Jannik Sinner begins his Doha debut against Tomas Machac, and third seed Alexander Bublik could challenge Sinner in the semi-finals. The tournament also features defending champion Andrey Rublev, 2024 winner Karen Khachanov, and finalist Jakub Mensik.

Djokovic Awaits in Potential Showdown

Saturday’s final promises a classic encounter, with Alcaraz seeking his first ATP title of 2026 while Novak Djokovic aims to defend his Doha crown and extend his remarkable winning streak in Qatar to 12 matches. Djokovic reached the final with a hard-fought three-set victory over Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

FAQ

• When is the Qatar ExxonMobil Open? The tournament is held from February 16-21, 2026.
• Where is the Qatar ExxonMobil Open held? The tournament takes place at Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar.
• Who are the top players competing? Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic are among the top players.