Overview
- Carlos Alcaraz returns for his first event since winning the Australian Open, opening against Arthur Rinderknech after skipping Rotterdam.
- Alcaraz said he is prioritising improvement over results and acknowledged 'weaknesses' rivals study, framing Doha as a process check rather than a target week.
- Jannik Sinner faces Tomas Machac first and says his five‑set Melbourne loss to Novak Djokovic prompted small tactical adjustments.
- The draw gives Alcaraz a relatively smooth route with a projected quarter-final against Karen Khachanov, while Sinner’s section could bring Jakub Mensik in the quarters and Alexander Bublik in the semis.
- With Djokovic out, Sinner has an opening to chip into Alcaraz’s lead, reinforced by a coming three‑month stretch with no ranking points to defend across key events.