Jannik Sinner insists he is not concerned by his start to the season after an upset loss to Jakub Mensik in Doha.
The world No. 2 was trying to emulate rival Carlos Alcaraz by reaching the semifinals of the Qatar Open but was knocked out 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-3 by the 20-year-old Mensik.
While the Czech played a terrific match and is one of the new generation’s brightest talents, Sinner made some unexpected errors — particularly off his forehand — and it was another blow following his loss to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals.
Thursday night marked the first time Sinner, 24, had lost a completed match on a hard court to a player ranked outside the top 10 since October 2023, while he had not failed to make the final at successive events since the summer of 2024.
“He served really well, so it was difficult to return,” Sinner said. “It’s been a tough break in the third, a couple of mistakes. It can happen, obviously, but at the same time, I’m a bit disappointed in how I handled these moments.
“Every player goes through ups and downs. I’ve had two incredible years. Having a small down, it’s nothing that’s going to worry me. I know that I can play a little bit better tennis.”
A year ago, Sinner was beginning a three-month doping ban after reaching an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, and he did not return until the Rome Masters in May.
Sinner entered the tournament as one of the favorites, carrying strong recent form and high expectations. However, Mensik showcased composure beyond his years, matching Sinner from the baseline and capitalizing on key break-point opportunities.
The match featured powerful rallies, sharp angles, and momentum swings that kept fans on edge. Mensik’s aggressive serving and fearless shot-making proved decisive, especially during crucial stages of the contest.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
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Early Pressure: Mensik applied immediate pressure on Sinner’s serve.
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Baseline Exchanges: Long rallies highlighted both players’ stamina and precision.
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Clutch Performance: Mensik maintained focus in tight games, converting critical points.
Sinner showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with his trademark backhand winners, but struggled to maintain consistency under sustained pressure. A few unforced errors at pivotal moments shifted the balance in Mensik’s favor.
What This Means Moving Forward
For Sinner, the early exit is a setback but also a learning opportunity as the season continues. With a demanding calendar ahead, he will look to regroup and refine his game ahead of upcoming tournaments.
For Mensik, this victory marks a significant milestone. Defeating a top-ranked opponent on a major stage strengthens his growing reputation and signals his arrival as a serious contender on the ATP tour.
Now, Sinner can prepare for the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and Miami next month, where he will hope to close the ranking gap to Alcaraz, which could be more than 3,000 points by the end of the week.
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