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

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

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Tennis – Qatar Open – Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha, Qatar – February 17, 2025 Golden State Warriors NBA player Jimmy Butler shakes hands with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari

After Carlos Alcaraz dispatched Marin Cilic in the opening round of the Qatar Open on Monday he lingered on court to play a few balls with a spectator – NBA star Jimmy Butler.

Alcaraz took his time to find his rhythm on a windy night but eventually overcame the veteran Croatian 6-4, 6-4, then took on Butler.

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READ: Carlos Alcaraz aiming for ‘serve bot’ status at Australian Open

The 35-year-old forward, recently traded to the Golden State Warriors, opted not to stay by the Bay while it hosted Sunday’s National Basketball Association All-Star Game. Instead he flew to the Gulf and was in the crowd to see Alcaraz win.

Butler then 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.

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Carlos Alcaraz tennis Golden State Warriors NBA player Jimmy Butler

Tennis – Qatar Open – Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha, Qatar – February 17, 2025 Golden State Warriors NBA player Jimmy Butler plays tennis with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari

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.

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In the second set, Alcaraz fell 0-40 behind on serve in the eighth game. He responded by taking 15 of the next 19 points to win the match in one hour, 38 minutes.

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READ: NBA: Jimmy Butler joins Warriors, says he is ready for title shot

“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.”

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He will face Zhang Zhizhen or Luca Nardi in the second round.

Cilic was competing in his first event since knee surgery in November.



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Jiri Lehecka beat seventh-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4. It was the Czech’s 11th victory in 2025, tied for the ATP Tour lead with Alex de Minaur and Miomir Kecmanovic.





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