Alcaraz defeats Cilic, set for Qatar Open challenge

Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz secured a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 victory over Croatian veteran Marin Cilic in the opening round of the Qatar Open. Alcaraz displayed resilience, especially when he faced a 0-40 deficit in the second set, managing to win 14 of the next 17 points. This win marks Alcaraz's continued strong performance in the 2025 season, extending his winning streak to six matches. Cilic, playing his first match since undergoing knee surgery, led briefly in the second set but could not convert crucial break points. Alcaraz will next face either Zhizhen Zhang or Luca Nardi in the round of 16. Other notable players, including Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic, are set to begin their matches on Tuesday.