ZZZ won on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Alcaraz achieves a new milestone, Tsitsipas to face Medvedev, four players withdraw from Dubai

Three minutes daily to catch up on global tennis news. Hello tennis fans, today is Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the second day of the first lunar month in the Bingwu year. Welcome to the midday news report brought to you by "Tennis Home."

Last night Beijing time, the ATP500 Doha event continued with its second day of matches. In a key match attracting Chinese fans, Zhang Zhizhen maintained his strong challenger form by defeating Spanish qualifier Baena 6-4, 6-4, securing a win on Lunar New Year's Day. In the second round, he will face the 6th seed and Czech star Menšík.

The top seed and world number one Alcaraz, making his tournament debut, saved two set points against Frenchman Lindeknech in the second set and ultimately won 6-4, 7-6(5) to start his Doha campaign successfully. This marked Alcaraz’s 150th hard-court victory, unlocking a new record. Next, he will face another French player, Ruatier.

Greek star Tsitsipas defeated wildcard Eschagi 6-4, 6-4, advancing smoothly. He will next face longtime rival, Russian great Medvedev, against whom Tsitsipas trails 4-10 in their head-to-head record. Defending champion Rublev started his title defense by beating Dutch player De Jong 6-4, 6-3. Other winners advancing include Vrsovic, Khachanov, Marosan, Lehecka, Berghes, and Alis.

ATP500 Rio de Janeiro: In remaining first-round singles matches, Italian Berrettini narrowly defeated Chilean Barrios 7-6, 7-5 to advance; Brazilian rising star Fonseca beat compatriot Monteiro 7-6, 6-1 in his debut win. Argentine players Cerundolo brothers, Echeverry, Brazilian De Zuche, and Italian Passaro also secured victories to move on.

ATP250 Delray Beach: Croatian veteran Cilic lost in double tiebreaks to American Brandon Nakashima, exiting in his first match. Australians Walton, Spanish youngster Hodar, and American Korda each won their opening matches to reach the second round.

Women's tour: At the WTA1000 Dubai second round, top seed Rybakina cruised past qualifier Burel 6-1, 6-2 for an easy opening win. She will next face lucky loser Ruzic. Third seed Gauff defeated Russian Kalinskaya 6-4, 6-4 and will compete against Belgian Mertens for a spot in the quarterfinals; Mertens had beaten 14th seed Navarro 6-2, 6-2.

Romanian player Costia eliminated 10th seed and Czech rising star Noskova 6-1, 6-4, extending her singles winning streak to seven matches. She will face Philippine No.1 Iera next, who defeated former champion and 6th seed Borrani 6-1, 7-6(5). 16th seed and American rising star Jovic advanced to the round of 16 by beating Russian newcomer Schneider 6-4, 1-6, 6-0 and will play compatriot Pegula.

On that day, four players withdrew either before or during matches. Spanish player Badosa retired due to injury while trailing by one set, allowing opponent Svitolina to advance; Australian Kasatkina and Czech rising star Beleck withdrew pre-match due to injuries, granting byes to Siniakova and Bencic; German Seidel retired due to injury after losing the first set 0-6.

Finally, let's play a guessing game. The picture below shows a player during training. Without any hints, can you identify who he is?

In the last guessing game, some fans gave the correct answer. That's right, the person in the picture is women's world number one Sabalenka.

(Source: Tennis Home Author: Lone Maverick)