ATP Doha: Alcaraz starts strong, Zhang Zhizhen aims for quarterfinals tonight

On February 17 local time, the 2026 ATP 500 Doha tournament completed all first-round men’s singles matches. Besides Chinese player Zhang Zhizhen, who entered using a protected ranking, top seed and new Australian Open champion and Grand Slam titleholder Alcaraz also passed his opening match smoothly in his first appearance since the Australian Open. Facing last year’s Shanghai Rolex Masters runner-up Lindgren, Alcaraz played steadily throughout the match, winning the first set with a break of serve; in the second set, both players held serve until Alcaraz saved two set points in the 12th game and secured the match victory in the tiebreak, with a final score of 6-4, 7-6(5).

Alcaraz

In other matches, 2024 champion Khachanov defeated lucky loser Daniel Taro 6-1, 3-6, 6-4; defending champion Rublev beat De Jong 6-4, 6-3; and eighth seed Lehecka eliminated Brooksby 6-3, 6-3, all claiming opening wins. Greek star Tsitsipas overcame wildcard Eschaji 6-4, 6-4 and will face longtime rival Medvedev in their 15th “Messi showdown” in the second round, scheduled for 8:00 PM Beijing time on the evening of the 18th.

Additionally, Alcaraz and Sinner will appear consecutively on the center court today to face Ruoye and Poplin respectively. Chinese player Zhang Zhizhen will compete against Czech rising star Menšík on Court 1 for a spot in the quarterfinals, with the match expected to start at 11:30 PM Beijing time.

ATP 500 Doha schedule for February 18

(Text and editing: Dato; Photos: Huang Shangyue)