Alcaraz set to take on Cilic on the opening day of Qatar ExxonMobil Open

DOHA: Top seed Carlos Alcaraz will make his Qatar ExxonMobil Open debut today when he takes on Marin Cilic of Croatia.Winner of four Grand Slams, Alcaraz is seeded ahead of Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Feb 17-22 tournament to be played at Khalifa International Tennis Stadium.Alcaraz may be preparing for his maiden appearance at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, but it will not be the first time the Spaniard sets out to prove himself on the courts of Khalifa International Tennis Complex. Four years ago, Doha hosted the qualifying rounds for the 2021 Australian Open, a move made for logistical reasons in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Then competing as a 17-year-old No 141 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Alcaraz booked his spot in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time by winning his three qualifying matches for the loss of just one set. This week, the Spaniard returns to Doha as the World No. 3 and top seed for the 2025 Qatar ExxonMobil Open, which will this year be held as an ATP 500 for the first time. As he prepares to take on Cilic in his opening match, Alcaraz reflected on how contrasting his latest Doha experience is likely to be."I played the qualies of Australian Open in 2021 because of the pandemic,” Alcaraz told ATP Media. "For me it’s totally different. I couldn’t go out from the hotel in that moment. There was no crowd, no people here, so it’s totally different. But four years on, I think I’m coming here feeling different, obviously, but I have great memories from here, from this last time."I think Doha has had always really good tennis players at this tournament,” said the 17-time tour-level champion. "Great names, so I’m excited about playing my first time here in Doha, and let’s see. I’m still focusing on the things that I have to improve, just focus on myself, and hopefully show some great tennis here.”Cilic told ATPTour.com following the Doha draw: "An interesting setup, how the pieces fall into their spaces. What a way to start the year for me. The first match of the year to play Carlos. What a way to set the tone for the year. Hopefully I can play many more against the top guys on the Tour. It’s always great fun, a great challenge.”