Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer Doha Prediction 2/18/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz brings a flawless record this season in his second-round match against Valentin Royer at the Qatar Open in Doha. That match is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18. Here’s our Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer prediction. This preview will also include a Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer pick.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer Preview

Carlos Alcaraz chalked up a milestone win in his last match, beating Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets in his second appearance at the event. But there was nothing straightforward about the match where Alcaraz had to fend off two set points on his serve to close out a 6-4, 7-6 victory in an hour and 48 minutes. This was Alcaraz’s 150th tour-level win on hard courts.

Fresh from becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam at last month’s Australian Open, Alcaraz’s first match on his return was a close one where he won a 52-minute first set against big-serving Frenchman Rinderknech. The Spaniard’s net game was impressive, charging to the net 21 times and winning the point on 16 occasions. Alcaraz saved two late set points to hold for 6-all in the second before he prevailed in the tiebreak. He is now 8-0 this season.

Valentin Royer was yet to taste victory in 2026, but was simply a class above countryman Pierre Hugues Herbert in the first round in Doha. The World No. 60 clinched the opening set 6-0 in just 22 minutes. Althoug he dropped his serve in the second set, Royer’s level was good enough to complete the match in straight sets.

Royer hit only 7 winners in the match but was helped by Herbert’s error-prone performance (38 unforced errors). Royer broke serve five times in the match to bring his five-match winless streak this season to a halt.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer Head-To-Head

Alcaraz and Royer have never played before, so this will be their first career meeting.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer Prediction

Alcaraz played some extraordinary winners in his first match, displaying his vast array of shots. The Spaniard has more ways to win points and matches even when he is not playing at his best. Royer is off the mark in 2026, a win that should finally give him the lift he needs to get his season on the right track, but this is a significant challenge for him.

Nur Said's Pick: Carlos Alcaraz -6.5 games handicap