Sinner Stunned in Doha: Jakub Mensik Upsets World No. 2 to Reach Qatar Open Semi-Finals
Jakub Mensik upset world number two sinner in the Qatar Open quarter-finals, beating the 24-year-old Italian 7-6 (7-3) 2-6 6-3 to reach the semi-finals. The sixth-seeded Czech, 20, edged the first set, surrendered the second, then closed out the decider to end a dominant run that had seen the top seed win 22 of 23 matches.
Sinner Exit: How the Match Unfolded
The quarter-final followed a tight script in the opener, with Mensik taking the first set in a tiebreak before the world number two recovered to level. Mensik then produced the decisive set to secure the 7-6 (7-3) 2-6 6-3 scoreline that eliminated one of the season's most successful players. The defeat halted a run of 22 wins from 23 matches for the Italian; the only loss in that stretch had been to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals.
Mensik's Rise and the Road Ahead
Mensik, the sixth seed from the Czech Republic, arrives in the semi-finals buoyed by earlier title wins that include Miami and Auckland. His Doha victory sets up a last-four clash with unseeded Frenchman Arthur Fils, who beat Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-3 in the quarters. That match offers Mensik the opportunity to reach a fourth ATP final and to record his second final appearance in 2026; the account of last month's Auckland Open figures into both players' recent momentum.
The result is notable not only for ending sinner's near-flawless run but for showcasing Mensik's capacity to close out big matches. The 20-year-old's ability to win tight moments in the first and third sets was decisive in Doha and underlines why he has already collected titles this season.
Wider Tournament Implications at the Qatar Open
The other half of the draw produced a blockbuster semi-final pairing: world number one Carlos Alcaraz will meet defending champion Andrey Rublev after both progressed from their quarter-final ties. Alcaraz came from behind to defeat Karen Khachanov 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-3, extending his winning start to the year to 10 matches, while Rublev beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-6 (7-2). Those results set up a contrasting semi-final against Mensik and Fils on the opposite side of the draw.
In doubles, the top-seeded pair of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool booked a return to the final with a 6-2 6-3 semi-final win, and they will face the third seeds Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara, who defeated Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-5 6-4. The doubles field thus preserves the chance for a repeat title from the top-seeded pairing.
What Comes Next
Mensik's victory creates fresh intrigue for the remaining rounds in Doha. He now prepares to meet Arthur Fils for a place in the final, while the other semi-final between Alcaraz and Rublev will determine the eventual finalist from that half. For the player who eliminated sinner, the win provides both a ranking and confidence boost heading into the tournament's closing stages.
Observers should note that details may continue to evolve as the semi-finals approach, but the immediate outcome is clear: Jakub Mensik's upset reshapes the title race in Doha and ends a remarkable run for one of the season's most consistent performers.
