What we can expect from Doha this week
After the WTA took the courts last week in Doha, it's the men's turn to get in on the action. Unlike last week's ATP events in South America and Dallas, the 2026 Qatar Open will feature both of the "New Two," Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz will look to continue his dominance after becoming the youngest man to achieve the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open last month.
Although the tournament is without 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and world No. 4 Alexander Zverev, it does include several past Qatar Open champions. Defending champion Andrey Rublev seems to play his best tennis in the Middle East, while 2023 champion Daniil Medvedev and 2024 winner Karen Khachanov are vying for a second title in Doha. Interestingly, all three past champions are in Alcaraz's half of the draw.
Another player to watch is Czech youngster Jakub Menšík, who had an epic start to the 2025 season, including a title win in Miami over Djokovic. His big serve and all-court game may pose a problem to many, especially if the weather in Doha make for faster court conditions.
France's Arthur Fils is back from an extended lower-back injury, looking to make waves right away with his superb athleticism and heavy groundstrokes. If he can stay healthy, he has the speed and power to compete with nearly anyone on the men's tour.
Neither Alcaraz nor Sinner has hoisted the trophy in Doha, but it seems likely that will change this week. After being upgraded from an ATP 250 to a 500 this season, the Qatar Open is now more than just a tune-up tournament for next week's Dubai Tennis Championships. Alcaraz currently holds roughly 300 more ranking points than Sinner, but with four Masters 1000 events taking place before Roland Garros, the top seed is up for grabs. Keep in mind that Sinner will not have to defend any points between now and the Rome Masters in May due to a banned-substance suspension last year, putting considerable pressure on Alcaraz if he wants to maintain his seat atop the world rankings.