<p>The world No. 1 faces Arthur Rinderknech in his first match since that historic Australian Open triumph, but the Frenchman has lost both his tour matches this season.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Competition:</strong> Qatar ExxonMobil Open (ATP 500), Round of 32</li> <li><strong>Venue:</strong> Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> Tuesday, February 17, 2026</li> <li><strong>Start Time: </strong>5:30 PM GST / 2:30 AM AEDT (Wednesday, February 18)</li> </ul> <h2>Alcaraz vs Rinderknech Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>Alcaraz owns a dominant 4-0 head-to-head record over Rinderknech, though their previous encounters have been more competitive than that scoreline suggests. Three of those four meetings went to extended sets before the Spaniard prevailed.</p> <p>The gulf in current form couldn't be wider. Alcaraz hasn't lost a match in 2026, defeating Djokovic in the Australian Open final to claim his first Melbourne title.</p> <p>He dropped just three sets across the entire tournament, two in a historic five-hour, 27-minute semifinal against Zverev and one against Djokovic in the final. Rinderknech sits at world No. 28 but has endured a miserable start to the year, suffering first-round exits at both the Australian Open and Rotterdam.</p> <h2>Alcaraz's Confidence Sky-High as Rinderknech Struggles</h2> <p>The 23-year-old Spaniard chose Doha over Rotterdam following his Melbourne triumph, looking to build on his perfect season start. His game appears in pristine condition, with his aggressive baseline play ideally suited to these medium-fast hard courts.</p> <p>Rinderknech reached a career-high ranking of No. 26 in January but has failed to capitalise on that momentum. The Frenchman's struggles over the past year tell their own story, and his recent defeats to Fabian Marozsan and Stefanos Tsitsipas suggest his confidence is low heading into this clash.</p> <h2>Alcaraz vs Rinderknech Betting Markets</h2> <p>The match winner market presents few surprises, with Alcaraz installed as a prohibitive favourite. For the latest Alcaraz vs Rinderknech odds and markets, check out our dedicated odds page here at Sportsbet.</p> <p>The set betting and total games markets offer alternative angles. Given Alcaraz's dominant form and Rinderknech's struggles, straight sets looks a strong possibility. First set winner also appeals, with the Spaniard likely to stamp his authority early on these quick Doha courts.</p> <h2>Alcaraz vs Rinderknech Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p>Alcaraz looks set to cruise through this one, and we fancy him to take the opening set comfortably before wrapping up a straight-sets victory.</p> <p>The numbers paint a clear picture. A 4-0 head-to-head record, a 7-0 season start including a Grand Slam title, and an opponent who has lost both matches in 2026.</p> <p>Rinderknech's recent form gives no indication he can trouble the world No. 1, particularly on fast courts that suit Alcaraz's aggressive style.</p> <p>The only concern is potential rustiness after the emotional high of Melbourne, but with Alcaraz's professionalism and hunger for titles, that seems unlikely to derail him in round one. Back the Spaniard in both the match result and first set winner markets.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/premier-league-betting-guide">A beginner's guide to understanding sports betting markets</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/epl-betting-form-stats-analysis">Why form and stats matter more than you think when placing a bet</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/what-is-xg-soccer-explained">The metric that's changing how we analyse sport</a></li> </ul>