Carlos Alcaraz beats Marin Cilic, then takes on NBA’s Jimmy Butler

DOHA – After Carlos Alcaraz dispatched Marin Cilic in the opening round of the Qatar Open on Feb 17, he lingered on court to play a few balls with a spectator whose name would be known by many – National Basketball Association (NBA) star Jimmy Butler.

The Spanish world No. 3 took his time to find his rhythm on a windy night but eventually overcame his veteran Croatian opponent 6-4, 6-4, then took on Butler.

Against the 36-year-old Cilic, Alcaraz was stronger at the pivotal moments. The first set turned on an 18-minute seventh game which ended with Alcaraz gaining the service break he needed.

In the second set, he fell 0-40 on serve in the eighth game. He responded by taking 15 of the next 19 points to win the match in 1hr 39min. He will face Italian Luca Nardi in the second round.

“I’m really pleased about saving that game,” said Alcaraz on court.

“Marin puts a lot of pressure when you’re serving, he’s a great returner. I’m really happy to stay calm in that moment, do my routine and make good shots. I’m really happy to win in two sets.”

Cilic was competing in his first event since knee surgery in November. It was the same injury that caused him to miss almost the whole of the 2023 season.

The 35-year-old Butler, recently traded to the Golden State Warriors, opted not to stay by the Bay where the NBA All-Star Championship was played on Feb 16. Instead, he flew to the Gulf and was in the crowd to see Alcaraz win.

Following the match, he came on court. Both men donned microphones as they put on a short show for fans. Butler even attempted to return an Alcaraz lob with a between-the-legs shot – but missed.

The NBA forward is reportedly a big tennis fan and has become close to Alcaraz. He has played four NBA games and has a 21.3-point average for the Warriors, for whom he is contracted to until the 2026-27 season, but, in the meantime, he is enjoying himself in Qatar.

During the All-Star weekend, guard Tyler Herro, Butler’s former teammate at the Miami Heat, praised him.

“Jimmy is a great leader. He leads by example, coming in every day with his hard hat on, ready to work. He’s a winner and has a strong desire to win. I’m sure the fans here in San Francisco will definitely love Jimmy,” he said.

Back in Doha, Jiri Lehecka beat seventh seed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4. It was the Czech’s 11th victory in 2025, tied with Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic and one behind ATP Tour leading Alex de Minaur of Australia.

British No. 1 Jack Draper continued his impressive form in opening-round clashes with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) victory over Australian Alexei Popyrin. AFP, REUTERS