Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Doha match.
A fascinating first-round clash in Doha sees world No.3 Carlos Alcaraz take on Marin Čilić, a former top-three player who has dramatically fallen to No.192. The Croatian enters the tournament using a protected ranking.
Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz has played 10 matches in 2025, winning nine. His only defeat came in the Australian Open quarter-finals, where he fell to Novak Djokovic in four sets (6:4, 4:6, 3:6, 4:6). Otherwise, he has been selective with his schedule, competing in only two tournaments. However, he won Rotterdam, beating Alex de Minaur in the final (6:4, 3:6, 6:2).
Marin Čilić
The 36-year-old Croatian veteran has not played a match this season. In 2024, he played just 15 ATP main-draw matches, winning only six. A long-term right knee injury forced him into surgery in May 2024, delaying his return to the tour. He finally made a comeback in August and managed to win his first ATP event in Hangzhou in September. However, he hasn’t competed since November, raising serious concerns about match fitness.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Marin Čilić Prediction
Čilić is severely lacking match practice and will struggle to cope with Alcaraz’s intensity. Even at full fitness, the Croatian lost to Alcaraz in 2022. With the Spaniard now vastly improved and in title-winning form, he should dominate this match with ease.
