Preview: Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head | ATP Qatar Open 2026
Alcaraz registered his 150th hard court on Tuesday.
The World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will take on the French underdog Valentin Royer in the round of 16 match at the ATP Qatar Open 2026 on February 18, Wednesday. Check the Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer match prediction below.
In the first round, Alcaraz held his ground against Arthur Rinderknech, saving a couple of set points in the second set before prevailing 6-4, 7-6(5). He advanced to the second round in one hour and 48 minutes to move to 8-0 in 2026.
Alcaraz won an impressive 45/53 (85%) of first serve points and finished with 27 winners to his name en route to his fifth straight victory over Rinderknech. The win also marked his 150th hard-court victory on tour.
On the other hand, Royer made short work of fellow Frenchman, the 34-year-old Pierre-Hugues Herbert. It took just 62 minutes for Royer to carve out the 6-0, 6-2 victory on his debut in Doha. Royer bageled Hebert, taking the opening set in a rapid 22 minutes.
The 24-year-old Royer capitalised on the 38 unforced errors and the four double faults from Hebert to win his first match in Qatar.
Also Read: How much participation fee will Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz earn at ATP Qatar Open 2026?
Match Details
- Tournament: Qatar Open 2026
- Round: Second Round
- Date: February 18
- Venue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha, Qatar
- Surface: Hard
Preview
Alcaraz is fresh off a title run in Melbourne, and a maiden clash between the Spaniard and Royer is slated for Wednesday. The youngest man to complete the career slam, Alcaraz leads the Race to Turin by a comfortable margin.
The Spaniard is also in his 59th week as World No. 1, closing in on Sinner’s 66 weeks at the top.
Royer, a finalist at the 2025 Hangzhou Open, is yet to make inroads on the ATP Tour. He is playing for the first time in the Middle East swing, making a strong start in the region by eliminating Pierre-Hugues Herbert to set up the contest with Carlos Alcaraz.
Form
- Carlos Alcaraz: W-W-W-W-W
- Valentin Royer: W-L-L-L-L
Head-to-head record
- Matches: 0
- Carlos Alcaraz: 0
- Valentin Royer: 0
Stats
Carlos Alcaraz:
- Alcaraz has an 8-0 win-loss record in the 2026 season.
- Alcaraz has a 3-1 win-loss record at the Qatar Open.
- Alcaraz has won 78% of matches played on hard courts.
Valentin Royer:
- Royer has a 1-5 win-loss record in the 2026 season.
- Royer is making his debut at the Qatar Open.
- Royer has won 39% of matches played on hard courts.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer: Betting tips and odds
- Moneyline: Alcaraz: -2000, Royer +1700.
- Spread: Alcaraz -6 (-138), Royer +6 (+104).
- Total Games: Over 18.5 (+105), Under 18.5 (-105).
Match Prediction
Carlos Alcaraz sealed a win in the opening round with a flourish, a down-the-line forehand that left Arthur Rinderknech stranded. Alcaraz will be back on Wednesday with more of his unique brand of tennis, including his trademark drop shots, when he takes on Valentin Royer.
Alcaraz will look to assert control early in his maiden clash against Royer. With the Spaniard in fine form, Alcaraz is all but certain to progress.
Result: Alcaraz to win in straight sets.
Where and how to watch live telecast and live streaming of the second round between Carlos Alcaraz and Valentin Royer at the Qatar Open 2026?
The second round between Carlos Alcaraz and Valentin Royer at the 2026 Qatar Open will be broadcast on Fancode for Indian viewers. Residents of the United States can tune in to the Tennis Channel. Fans in the United Kingdom can stream the match on SkyUK.
When is the Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer match?
The second-round match will be played on February 18, 2026, at the Qatar Open in Doha.
Where is the match being held?
The contest will take place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar.
What is the head-to-head record between Alcaraz and Royer?
This will be their first meeting on the ATP Tour. The head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
How has Carlos Alcaraz performed this season?
Alcaraz is unbeaten in 2026 with an 8-0 record and recently won a title in Melbourne. He also registered his 150th hard-court win on tour in the first round.
How did Valentin Royer reach the second round?
Royer defeated fellow Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in straight sets (6-0, 6-2) in his opening-round match.
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Meet Fazeel—a bibliophile and sci-fi aficionado who devours books and movies alike. His favorite form of exercise? Watching tennis from a perfectly positioned couch. Whether he's lost in a gripping novel or absorbed in a five-hour Grand Slam final, he's all in. Favorite quote: “You cannot be serious” – John McEnroe.