Carlos Alcaraz opens up in Doha: “Sometimes I think about what my rivals would do to beat me”

Carlos Alcaraz met with reporters Sunday at the ATP 500 event in Doha, where he enters as the No. 1 seed and the clear favorite to lift the trophy.

The biggest storyline, of course, is a potential championship clash with his top rival, Italy’s Jannik Sinner. Sinner opens Monday against Czech player Tomas Machac and would only meet Alcaraz in a hypothetical final next Saturday. But before that can happen, Alcaraz must win four straight matches with no days off, beginning Tuesday against France’s Arthur Rinderknech.

While a showdown for the title looms in the background, Alcaraz insists he is not burdened by expectations. Instead, he is focused on improvement, the same mindset that has fueled his rapid rise to the top of the sport.

Alcaraz back in tournament mode

“I’m happy to be back on court,” Alcaraz said. “I’ve been practicing well. Obviously, what I achieved in Australia was incredible for me. It’s still a little bit in my head. But tennis is about moving forward, tournament by tournament.”

Alcaraz said every event brings its own motivation and energy, and his immediate goal is simple: compete at the highest level he can.

“Right now I’m focused on playing, or trying to play, my best tennis,” he said. “Improving the things I still need to polish, continuing to do the right things on court. I’m happy to be able to do that again here in Doha.”

First test: Arthur Rinderknech

His opening match will not be easy. Rinderknech’s big serve and aggressive style have troubled plenty of opponents, and Alcaraz knows the challenge well.

“He’s a really tough opponent,” Alcaraz said. “I’ve played him a few times and it’s always complicated.”

The Spaniard added that he is eager to feel the atmosphere in Qatar for the first time this season.

“I’m excited to play my first match here this year,” he said. “I’m looking forward to feeling the support from the fans, seeing what the atmosphere is like and how the welcome will be. It’s going to be interesting. I’m excited to face him again.”

Final vs. Sinner? Not so fast

Given their recent battles, many fans are already circling a potential Alcaraz-Sinner final. Asked whether that scenario feels like a compliment or added pressure, Alcaraz rejected both labels.

“Neither,” he said. “I know how difficult every match is. Every match is different, every style is different.”

He pointed out that the Doha draw is unusually strong for an ATP 500 event, noting the quality of first-round matchups.

“I’m just thinking about one match at a time and seeing how far I can go,” he said. “Obviously, my intention is to go as far as possible. If I can reach the final, that would be fantastic. That’s what I’m looking for. But I don’t think about seeing myself in the final too early. I prefer to go day by day.”

Process over results

Alcaraz revealed that he and his team set specific goals for the week, but none of them involve trophies.

“When I arrived here, my team and I set some goals for the tournament,” he said. “We didn’t talk at all about results.”

Instead, the focus is on growth and long-term development.

“It’s about continuing the process of becoming better and growing,” he said. “There are things I really want to improve. I want to develop my game in a certain way, show it and be able to bring it out here. If I achieve that, for me it will be a very successful week regardless of the results, seeing myself doing the right things on and off the court.”

Staying ahead of the competition

Despite already winning multiple Grand Slam titles and establishing himself as one of the sport’s defining figures, Alcaraz says he is keenly aware of his vulnerabilities.

“I’ve had a lot of success so far and I’ve won the biggest tournaments in the world,” he said. “But I also see my weaknesses.”

He understands that the rest of the tour is studying him closely.

“A lot of players are trying to catch me. They study my game, how I play, how they can beat me, how they can challenge me. I have to be ready for that.”

At times, he even tries to think like his opponents.

“Sometimes I try to put myself in their head and think about what they would do to try to beat me,” he said. “That’s what I mean when I say I have to improve things. You can’t stay behind in level. You have to keep moving forward.”

Alcaraz’s Formula 1 thrill

Away from tennis, Alcaraz recently enjoyed a rare break at Formula 1 preseason testing, an event he described as unforgettable.

“I really loved the experience,” he said. “I love Formula 1. With our schedule, it’s difficult to attend a race. But I had the chance to go to testing, to see how they work in preseason, what they do with the car to have it 100 percent ready for the first race. It was honestly impressive.”

He also met several drivers he had previously only seen on television and said he wished them well for the season.

As for climbing into a two-seater F1 car himself, Alcaraz did not hesitate.

“Why not?” he said with a smile. “If they’re driving, I’d be more than happy to feel the adrenaline of going in one of those cars, or any really fast car. To feel that real speed must be spectacular.”

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