Mensik upsets Sinner in Doha, sets SF with Fils
Doha, Feb 20
Jakub Mensik caused a major upset in the Qatar Open when the 20-year-old stunned World No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinal of the ATP 500 event.
Mensik beat Sinner 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 for the biggest win of his career by ATP ranking.
Two years ago, the Czech notched his maiden Top 5 victory against Andrey Rublev during his breakout run to the championship match in Doha.
The 2025 Miami champion Mensik is now 4-2 against Top 5 opponents, a tally that includes victories against ATP No. 1 Club members Novak Djokovic and Sinner, and he is up three spots to No. 13 in the ATP Live Rankings as a result of his exploits in Doha so far, ATP reports.
"Before the match I knew about Jannik's quality. A great guy, a great champion. Already what he has done in his young career, it's pretty impressive, so I knew it was going to be a tough one. But even with that thought, I came to the match to win it, and actually having a winning mindset," Mensik said.
He will bid to reach the final in the Qatari capital for the second time on Friday, when he faces the 21-year-old Fils.
Having made his return to action earlier this month after playing just two matches in the preceding eight months due to a back injury, Frenchman Fils earned his first tour-level semi-final appearance since last April by overcoming Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-3.
"I didn't know that I was going to play that good that fast, for sure. You don't know what to expect when you are back from injury since, what, six to eight months. So you don't really know what to expect.
"I'm pretty happy with the way I'm playing now. It's not my best tennis yet so far, but we're getting there. I just need to fight every match to play a lot of balls, to play a lot of games, sets, points, to get again ready, and getting better and better," said Fils in his post-match press conference.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a Sinner fan, this hurts a bit. But full credit to Mensik, he played out of his mind. Sinner has had a long season already, maybe a bit of fatigue? Hope he bounces back strong for Indian Wells.
The mental strength of these young players is amazing. Mensik saying he came with a "winning mindset" against the world no. 2 is the key. Talent is one thing, but that belief is everything. 🧠💪
Respectful criticism: The article focuses a lot on the upset, but Fils' comeback from a serious back injury is equally impressive. Playing just two matches in eight months and reaching a semi-final? That's a warrior's effort. Both stories are great.
Mensik at No. 13 in live rankings! That's a meteoric rise. Beating Djokovic and Sinner already... this guy is for real. The next gen is officially here to challenge the Big 3 legacy. Can't wait for the match against Fils.
Great to see such sportsmanship too. Mensik praising Sinner's achievements before talking about his own win. That's class. The future of tennis is in good hands with these respectful young champions.
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