On Saturday, the world No. 1 and Australian Open champion Carlos Alcaraz silenced any remaining doubters about his ability to thrive after a major offseason coaching shakeup. Alcaraz and his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero parted ways in December, and many believed it would harm Alcaraz’s game and success.
Alcaraz won the Australian Open and has now won his first Doha title in a straight set victory (6-2, 6-1) against Arthur Fils. He was virtually unbeatable and could do no wrong in the straight sets victory.
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Son is making his return to tennis after a back injury kept him from playing for most of last year, forcing him to withdraw from his major home tournament, the French Open. ATP tennis is better when Son competes at a high level, so I hope this trend continues.
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How Carlos Alcaraz stepped up his game
Two years ago, Alcaraz would have been accused of falls or drops in level during matches. He also occasionally played low-percentage shots in situations where he didn’t need to take any risks.
His concentration and shot selection have been on point in 2026, and he has yet to lose a match. Alcaraz also hasn’t lost an outdoor hardcourt match since last year’s Miami Open. He won his 26th career title, the second winningest player behind Novak Djokovic with 101.
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Alcaraz will travel to Indian Wells hoping to dethrone reigning champion Jack Draper. As long as he can stay healthy, he is seemingly on track to increase his tally of ATP titles and continue to rewrite tennis history after becoming the youngest player to win a career Grand Slam last month.
January 30, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates his victory over Alexander Zverev of Germany in the men’s singles semi-final at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park. Mandatory credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
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