“I just see myself with weaknesses”: Carlos Alcaraz focused on improvement ahead of Qatar Open

Carlos Alcaraz arrives in Doha this week as the No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings, fresh off completing the Career Grand Slam with his Australian Open victory. Despite this remarkable achievement at just 22, the Spaniard remains focused on the process rather than dwelling on accolades or past successes.

The Spaniard will be the top favorite at the Qatar Open, a tournament where he could meet Jannik Sinner for the first time this season, especially after Novak Djokovic, previously the third favorite for the title, withdrew. Alcaraz spoke openly about the pressure that comes with holding the top spot. “Obviously I can see myself that [I have had] a lot of success so far, winning the biggest tournaments in the world,” he said during his pre-tournament press conference.

"But I just see myself with weaknesses. A lot of players, I know that they're trying to catch me up in terms of they are studying my game, they study how I play, trying to beat me, trying to challenge me."

Alcaraz has a significant gap over Sinner in the ATP rankings, but he is aware that the Italian will not be defending points in the coming months until the Italian Open in Rome in May. In the meantime, Sinner will have up to four Masters 1000 tournaments to accumulate points and potentially regain the top ranking.

The Spaniard also highlighted the importance of anticipating opponents’ strategies in the opening rounds, where he hopes to avoid surprises. Alcaraz knows he is the player to beat on Tour, and that every new rival brings a plan to challenge him.

“I have to be ready for that, and I have to see where my level is, where my tennis is,” commented the 7-time Grand Slam champion. “I have to try to put myself in their minds and think what they could do when playing against me. So that's what I mean about saying I have to improve some things. Obviously, you cannot be lagging in the level, you just have to keep it going.”

Alcaraz will not underestimate the competition in Doha, where he faces Top 30 star Arthur Rinderknech in his opening match. With Jannik Sinner seeded second, the tournament could produce another high-stakes chapter in their ongoing rivalry.

Alcaraz’s approach to the Qatar Open emphasizes preparation and development over results. “Coming here, these days, my team and I, just we set up some goals for this tournament,” the world No. 1 said. “We are not talking about results at all. It's just more about the process to be better, still in the process to grow up. There are some things that I really want to be better and [I want to] develop my game in a way that I really want to show up and to pull off here in this tournament. That would be a really successful week for me, besides results. I [want to] see myself that I'm just doing the right things on and off the court.”

While his tally of 25 tour-level titles positions him as the leading figure on Tour, the focus remains on sharpening weaknesses rather than celebrating past victories. Alcaraz has repeatedly stressed the importance of mental preparation. By focusing on each match individually, he avoids overextending expectations. “I know how difficult every match is. Every match is different, our play is totally different… So [I’m] just thinking about a match at a time, and let's see how far I can go.”

“Obviously my mind is trying to go as far as I can,” he added regarding his ambitions in Doha. “If it's possible to play a final, obviously that would be great, and that's what I'm looking for, so let's see. I'm not thinking about playing or just putting myself in the final too early. I want to think day by day.”

Alcaraz enters the tournament as the top seed, but the path in Doha is anything but straightforward. With Sinner positioned as the second seed, a potential meeting in the final looms. The two have already faced each other 16 times, producing one of the sport’s most electric rivalries in recent years. While the matchup excites fans, Alcaraz is determined not to let potential scenarios distract him.

His opening-round opponent, Arthur Rinderknech, presents a tangible challenge in a field that is unusually competitive for a 500-level event. Alcaraz recognizes the quality of early matches, noting that every opponent has the ability to push him to his limits.

The Spaniard’s mindset underscores the challenges of defending the top spot while continuing to refine his game. Each match offers both a test and an opportunity to consolidate his position at the top of the ATP Rankings. Doha provides the perfect setting for Alcaraz to measure his preparation and growth against a high-caliber field.