Jakub Mensik delivered a stunning performance at the Qatar Open, taking down world number two Jannik Sinner in a thrilling quarter-final matchup. The young Czech, seeded sixth, showcased his resilience by edging out the first set in a tiebreak. Although Sinner fought back to level the match, Mensik held his nerve in the decider, sealing a 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3 victory.
This defeat marked the end of an impressive streak for Sinner, who had won 22 of his last 23 matches, with his sole loss coming against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals. The 24-year-old Italian had an outstanding 2025, reaching 10 finals and capturing titles at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. However, Mensik, ranked 16th in the world, proved to be a formidable obstacle in their first-ever meeting in Doha.
Mensik now moves on to face unseeded Frenchman Arthur Fils, who dispatched Mensik's fellow Czech, Jiri Lehecka, with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 win. Fils is chasing his fourth ATP final appearance and his second of 2026, having already claimed the Auckland Open title last month.
In the other semi-final, world number one Carlos Alcaraz is set to clash with defending champion Andrey Rublev. Alcaraz demonstrated his tenacity by overcoming Karen Khachanov in a comeback victory, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 6-3, extending his perfect start to the year to 10 matches. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who recently completed a career Grand Slam with his Australian Open triumph, will face Rublev, who defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (7-2).
In doubles action, British duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool are on track to defend their Qatar Open title. The top seeds, who claimed one of their seven titles last year in Doha, secured their spot in the final with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over French pair Quentin Halys and Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Awaiting them in the final are third seeds Henry Patten from Britain and Finland's Harri Heliovaara, who overcame Italy's Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-5, 6-4.
Meanwhile, over at the Dubai Tennis Championships, the competition is heating up with four of the top seven seeds advancing to the semi-finals. Ukraine's Elina Svitolina showed her fighting spirit by rallying from a set down to defeat Croatia's Antonia Ruzic, who had made an impressive run as a lucky loser.
Svitolina emerged victorious with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win and will now face American Coco Gauff for a spot in the final. Gauff, the third seed, breezed past Alexandra Eala in just 69 minutes, dominating the match 6-0, 6-2.
Jessica Pegula had to dig deep to overcome Denmark's Clara Tauson, eventually prevailing 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. Pegula's next challenge is fellow American Amanda Anisimova, who mounted an impressive comeback to defeat defending champion Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-4).