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Jannik Sinner Vows 'The Work Will Pay Off' After Doha Setback
The Italian star looks to bounce back at Indian Wells and Miami after early exit in Doha.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 12:19pm
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After finishing 2025 on a 15-match winning streak, Jannik Sinner's 2026 has gotten off to his worst start to a season since 2023. Not only did the Italian fail in his bid for an Australian Open three-peat, losing to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, but he also continued to perform below his usual standard in Doha, where he crashed out in the quarterfinals in a three-set battle against Jakub Mensik. Despite the setback, Sinner appeared composed, saying 'It was a match that went the way it went. There was no disaster, I'm calm because we're working to win as many matches as possible. I'm relaxed, now we're starting again with Indian Wells and Miami. I'm sure the work will pay off.'
Why it matters
Sinner is one of the rising stars on the ATP Tour, and his early-season struggles have raised questions about his ability to maintain his high level of play. However, the Italian remains one of the biggest threats on tour and continues to stand as the chief rival to Carlos Alcaraz as their rivalry enters a defining stretch.
The details
After dropping the first set in a tiebreak against Mensik, Sinner appeared to seize control, winning the second set dominantly. Just when it looked like he would carry that momentum into the decider, he was immediately broken to start the third set. From there, the Italian struggled to make inroads on return, something rarely seen in recent seasons. He was later broken again while serving to stay in the match, handing Mensik the biggest win of his career in terms of ranking.
- Sinner finished 2025 on a 15-match winning streak.
- Sinner lost to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open.
- Sinner crashed out in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Doha tournament in a three-set battle against Jakub Mensik.
The players
Jannik Sinner
A rising star on the ATP Tour who finished 2025 on a 15-match winning streak.
Novak Djokovic
A veteran Serbian tennis player who defeated Sinner in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open.
Jakub Mensik
A tennis player who defeated Sinner in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Doha tournament, the biggest win of his career in terms of ranking.
What they’re saying
“It was a match that went the way it went. There was no disaster, I'm calm because we're working to win as many matches as possible. I'm relaxed, now we're starting again with Indian Wells and Miami. I'm sure the work will pay off.”
— Jannik Sinner
What’s next
Sinner's immediate focus shifts to the Masters 1000 events at Indian Wells and Miami, followed by the clay-court swing. His primary objective is already clear: the French Open, where he will aim to complete his Career Grand Slam, just like Carlos Alcaraz did in Melbourne this year.
The takeaway
Despite the slow start to 2026, Sinner remains one of the biggest threats on the ATP Tour and continues to stand as the chief rival to Carlos Alcaraz as their rivalry enters a defining stretch. While this season has not begun as he or his team expected, there is still plenty of tennis left to be played, and Sinner is confident that 'the work will pay off.'
