"Alcaraz Beats Cilic in Doha, Then Shares Court with NBA’s Jimmy Butler"

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the Qatar Open, before staying on court for a fun session with NBA star Jimmy Butler. Butler, visiting the Gulf instead of attending the NBA All-Star Game, tried his hand at tennis, attempting a between-the-legs shot but missing.

Alcaraz was solid in key moments, particularly saving a 0-40 deficit in the second set. He praised his calmness during the tough moments against Cilic, who was returning from knee surgery. Alcaraz will next face either Zhang Zhizhen or Luca Nardi in the second round.

In other action, Jiri Lehecka defeated seventh seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4.