Alcaraz and Sinner receive huge appearance fees in Doha: more than twice the champion's prize

Alcaraz and Sinner will participate in the 2026 Qatar Open. According to reports, both players will be awarded significant appearance fees at this ATP 500 tournament in Doha, with the event organizers paying each $1.2 million, which is double the amount given to the champion.

So far in the 2026 season, Alcaraz and Sinner have been very cautious with their schedules, having only competed in the Australian Open. However, the Doha event organizers successfully attracted these two top-ranked players by offering promotional payments. ATP 500 and ATP 250 events are permitted to invest considerable funds in promotion, often used to draw top players who can boost audience and sponsor interest.

In recent years, Alcaraz has become one of the most captivating stars on the tour, especially favored by ATP 500 event organizers. Last week, he skipped the Rotterdam ATP 500 event, where he was the defending champion, but he has confirmed his participation in Doha. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the world number one’s appearance in Doha is closely tied to the hefty $1.2 million appearance fee.

To maintain competitiveness, the organizers also successfully invited world number two, Sinner. World number three and 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic was initially on the entry list but withdrew due to fatigue. The 2026 Qatar Open also attracted players like Medvedev, Rublev, and Tsitsipas, making it one of the most fiercely contested ATP 500 tournaments this season.

Meanwhile, the total prize money for the ATP Doha Open is $2,833,335, with the singles champion receiving $529,945 and the runner-up $285,095. Therefore, even if Alcaraz and Sinner lose in the first round, their earnings will far exceed the prize money awarded to the 2026 Qatar Open champion.

At the start of the year, Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the Australian Open final to claim the title and achieved a rare career Grand Slam milestone. At 22 years old, he became the youngest player to win seven Grand Slam titles and expanded his ranking points lead over his biggest rival, Sinner, to nearly 3,000 points.

In addition to seven Grand Slam titles, Alcaraz has won eight Masters titles, eight ATP 500 titles, and two ATP 250 titles, and he earned a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, he has yet to win the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup, which have become his next goals. On February 4, 2026, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Alcaraz expressed his desire for more honors in the future.

“I want it all. The Grand Slams are still there,” Alcaraz said. “There’s also the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup, which are among the most important events. I am determined not to give any titles away easily.”

Meanwhile, as he returns to the 2026 Qatar Open, where he was upset by Lehecka last season, Alcaraz will face world number 30 Lindeknech in the round of 32 match on Tuesday, February 17.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)