The World No. 1 race has narrowed into a gripping duel between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Behind them, Novak Djokovic sits third on 5,280 points and has withdrawn from the Qatar Open. As the two-man battle intensifies, the looming question remains: can Alcaraz overtake Sinner in total weeks at No. 1?

Alcaraz has now spent 59 weeks at No. 1. He moved past Jim Courier for 13th place on the all-time list. He is also closing in on Sinner’s total of 66 weeks.

What was once Sinner’s dominant stretch at the top has changed. The rankings have become a back-and-forth contest. The rivalry now reflects the present and future of men’s tennis.

Last year, Sinner enjoyed a historic first run as No. 1. He became only the fifth player to spend more than a year at the top during his first reign.

Alcaraz responded strongly in the months that followed. The Spaniard regained the No. 1 ranking after defeating Sinner in the US Open final in September.

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He strengthened his position further by winning the AO in January. The title made him the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam.

Alcaraz currently leads Sinner by 2,850 points in the ATP Live Rankings. The gap gives him a strong cushion heading into the next phase of the season.

Both players are competing this week at the ATP 500 Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Sinner is making his Doha debut and hopes to reduce the ranking gap.

The Italian has a favorable stretch ahead. He does not have any points to defend until the clay season begins in Rome. This allows him to play freely and chase points.

Alcaraz also faces manageable pressure in the coming weeks. He defends a quarterfinal in Doha, a semifinal at Indian Wells, and a second-round result in Miami.

However, the Spaniard’s major point defenses will come later. His clay season includes a Monte-Carlo title and a runner-up finish in Barcelona.

Beyond rankings, their rivalry now defines the ATP Tour. Alcaraz leads their H2H series 10-6. They could meet again if both reach the Doha final.

For now, the No. 1 spot belongs to Alcaraz. He must protect his lead while Sinner continues the chase. The momentum has shifted compared to a year ago.

If Alcaraz holds his position through the Sunshine Double, he could surpass Sinner in total weeks at No. 1 before the clay season. As both stars pursue the Doha title and draw attention for their appearance fees, the rivalry continues to shape the season’s biggest story.

Alcaraz and Sinner both win their Qatar Open openers

Carlos Alcaraz began his Qatar Open campaign with a solid win in Doha. However, his draw already looked challenging from the start of the tournament.

The top seed faced France’s Arthur Rinderknech in the opening round. It was Alcaraz’s first match since winning the Australian Open last month.

Alcaraz won the match in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5). He had to fight hard, especially in the second set, to close out the contest.

The Spaniard started strongly and broke early to lead 3-2. He then controlled the rest of the first set and finished it with a neat volley.

Rinderknech raised his level in the second set and pushed the match deep. The world number 30 even earned two set points at 6-5.

Alcaraz stayed calm under pressure and saved both chances. With the help of his 28 winners, he eventually secured victory in the tie-break.

After the match, Alcaraz admitted the challenge was expected. “It was really difficult,” said the Spaniard. “Arthur is a really dangerous player. Nobody wants to play against him in the first round. I’m happy with the level. I’m happy that I got through difficult moments in the match.”

The win marked Alcaraz’s 150th tour-level hard-court victory. It also improved his perfect start to the 2026 season to 8-0.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner also made a strong start in Doha. The Italian returned to action after his Australian Open semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic.

Sinner defeated Czech player Tomas Machac in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. He dominated early and wrapped up the first set in just 27 minutes.

Next, Alcaraz will face France’s Valentin Royer, who beat Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-0, 6-3. Sinner will meet Alexei Popyrin, whose H2H with him is tied 1-1.

Both stars play their next matches today in Doha. Can they win again, make headlines, and reach another ATP 500 final?