Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Croatia’s Marin Cilic. AFP
Doha, Qatar: Top seed Carlos Alcaraz overcame strong resistance from both Marin Cilic and the windy conditions at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday to make a winning start at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.
In his first appearance at the tournament, the 21-year-old Spaniard secured a 6-4, 6-4 win over the Croatian in one hour and 38 minutes on Centre Court at the famed venue.
“I feel great. I’m super excited about playing my first match here in Doha [at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open], and pleased about the level, about the match. For me, it was surprising to get such a good welcome, such a good support there. I’m really happy about it,” Alcaraz said after his win which also improved his season record to 10-1.
“I’m really pleased about saving that game and giving myself the opportunity to [stay] alive. Marin puts a lot of pressure when you’re serving, he’s a great returner. I’m really happy to stay calm in that moment, do my routine and make good shots. I’m really happy to win in two sets,” the world No.3 said.
Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm in the windy conditions earlier on, but from 0/40 down, serving at 3-4 in the second set, he grabbed 14 of the next 19 points to deny the Croatian and improve to 4-1 in their head to head record.
Alcaraz, who is on a roll after winning his sixth match in a row, will face either Chinese World No. 49 Zhang Zhizhen or Italian Luca Nardi, ranked 85th, in the second round.
For the former World No. 3 Cilic, the match marked his first since last November following an extended recovery from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Jiri Lehecka also made it to the second round with a 6-4, 6-4 win over seventh seed Grigor Dimitrov. It was the Czech’s 11th win this year, an achievement which levels him with Alex de Minaur and Miomir Kecmanovic for most victories on the ATP Tour this season. Lehecka will next face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the second round, aiming to continue his impressive form.
The eighth seed Jack Draper also progressed with a strong 6-2 7-6 (7-4) victory against Alexei Popyrin to book a
Draper, ranked No 16, will play Australian qualifier Christopher O’Connell who earlier defeated Hady Habib 7-6 (7), 7-6 (3), next.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic speaks during a press conference in Doha yesterday.
Djokovic in the spotlight
Today, all eyes will be on two-time former champion Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic who is aiming to rack up his 100th ATP title in Doha, will meet Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the first round today.
The Serbian 24-time Grand Slam winner is coming off an injury, having retired from the Australian Open last month.
Speaking at a press conference, the 37-year-old said he is fit and feeling great.
“I haven’t felt any pain, so I’ve been feeling great throughout my training over the last 10 days, including these past three days here in Doha. Obviously, today’s doubles match is different from singles, but it still involves dynamic movements that really test your body. I felt great, so I have no concerns,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic and his Spanish partner Fernando Verdasco sailed past Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov 6-1, 6-1 in just 48 minutes to reach the second round in the doubles competition yesterday.
Djokovic said it is great to be back in Doha.
“I haven’t played here since 2019. I always enjoyed myself here. It’s great to be back in Doha,” Djokovic said after his doubles match against Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov.
“The tournament was played in the first week of the season, prior to Australia, so it was actually a great week for all of us preparing for Australian Open, and flying to Australia through Doha,” Djokovic said.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner said Qatar Open deserves more.
“I’m so happy that, deservedly, they got the 500 category. Hopefully, they’re going to move into 1000 category as well very soon, because they deserve it. This tournament has a 30-year tradition, and there’s a nice culture of tennis in this town, in this country,” Djokovic said.
“If you see the field, that the tournament is more of a 1000 category rather than 500, but, you know, that’s what I guess attracts more interest,” Djokovic added.
ATP Qatar ExxonMobil Open results
Singles – Round of 32
Christopher O’Connell (AUS) d. Hady Habib (LBN) 7–6(9–7), 7–6(7–3)
Jiri Lehecka (CZE) d. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 6–4, 6–4
Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) d. Marin Cilic (CRO) 6–4, 6–4
Jack Draper (GBR) d. Alexei Popyrin (AUS) 6–2, 7–6(7–4)
Fabian Marozsan (HUN) d. Aziz Dougaz (TUN) 7–5, 6–3
Doubles – Round of 16
Harri Helioevaara (FIN) / Henry Patten (GBR) d. Tallon Griekspoor (NED) / Adam Pavlasek (CZE) 7–6(7–4), 6–3
Yuki Bhambri (IND) / Ivan Dodig (CRO) d. Daniel Merida Aguilar (ESP) / Mubarak Shannan Zayid (QAT) 6–3, 6–4
Novak Djokovic (SRB) / Fernando Verdasco (ESP) d. Alexander Bublik (KAZ) / Karen Khachanov (RUS) 6–1, 6–1
