Jannik Sinner Stunned by Jakub Mensik in Qatar Open Quarters
Locker Room
February 20, 2026
Jannik Sinner suffered a huge upset in Qatar as he was downed by 20-year-old Czech sensation Jakub Mensik.
Perhaps the current world number 16 will become the extra dimension tennis has been waiting for.
The epic rivalry between Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz is of course a total delight. But Mensik has given us a further reminder that they are not unbeatable.
Jannik Sinner’s very best tennis will surely come storming back to him in good time to defend his title at Wimbledon 2026.
But recent losses, to the ageing Novak Djokovic and now Mensik, have shown us that the Italian is human after all.
The seeming certainty of Alcaraz v Sinner Grand Slam finals is now being challenged further. And that makes for even more drama!
Mensik was in no mood to bow to Sinner’s perceived superiority in the Qatar quarters. His 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3 victory was a triumph for self-belief.
The underdog’s thumping forehand and punchy double-handed backhand were serious weapons behind a powerful serve.
Indeed that sizzling backhand produced an incredible pass down the line to clinch the first set. And Mensik jumped into another unreturnable backhand to close out the match.
Add to that impressive stroke play an uncanny sense of anticipation. Throw in a refusal to follow the form book. Then it’s easier to see why such a shock was made possible.
Jakub isn’t an unknown quantity. On his day he has been a danger to the big names for a year or two.
In fact Mensik beat Djokovic to take a big title in Miami last year. But now the new kid on the block is getting even better!
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz know there’s another potential tennis giant growing up fast – and that will be great for fans at Wimbledon 2026.
Mensik said of his latest amazing success: ‘I came to the match to win it. Actually having a winning mindset. From the beginning of the third set I started to serve well again.’
But even in the second set the eventual victor kept a smile on his face and enjoyed occasional successes.
Sinner isn’t enjoying very much dominance at all right now. He admitted: ‘I’m a bit upset about how I managed some moments – but it can occur.
‘I’m in a minor slump but it doesn’t worry me. I know how to come back.’
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Jakub Mensik and Novak Djokovic will all be contenders come Wimbledon 2026.
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