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Sinner Stunned by Rising Star Mensik in Doha Upset
20 Feb
Summary
- Jannik Sinner lost to 20-year-old Jakub Mensik in Doha.
- This was Sinner's first hard court loss to an unranked player since 2023.
- Sinner aims to close ranking gap with Alcaraz at Sunshine Double.
Jannik Sinner, the world No. 2, suffered a surprising defeat against the emerging talent Jakub Mensik in the Qatar Open held in Doha. The 20-year-old Mensik secured a 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-3 victory, marking a significant upset.
This loss was Sinner's first completed hard court match defeat to a player ranked outside the top 10 since October 2023. Sinner acknowledged some uncharacteristic errors, particularly off his forehand, and expressed disappointment in how he managed crucial moments during the match.
Despite the recent loss and a previous defeat in the Australian Open semifinals, Sinner remains optimistic. He views the setback as a temporary "down" period, emphasizing his two incredible previous years and his ability to improve his game.
Looking ahead, Sinner is set to compete in the Sunshine Double – Indian Wells and Miami next month. He aims to reduce the significant ranking difference with rival Carlos Alcaraz, which could exceed 3,000 points.
