Jannik Sinner Reflects on Australian Open Loss to Djokovic

The Italian star is set to make his return to the ATP Tour at the Qatar Open next week.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Jannik Sinner is preparing to return to the ATP Tour next week at the Qatar Open, following his Australian Open semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic. Sinner was aiming to join an exclusive club of three consecutive Australian Open champions in the Open Era, but lost to Djokovic in a five-set battle. The 22-year-old Italian has now reflected on the match, saying it taught him a lot and that sometimes losing is normal in sports.

Why it matters

Sinner's loss to Djokovic at the Australian Open was a setback in his quest to become one of the dominant players in men's tennis. However, his willingness to learn from the defeat and continue improving shows his maturity and dedication to the sport. As he prepares for his return to the tour, Sinner's performance at the Qatar Open will be closely watched to see if he can bounce back from the disappointment in Melbourne.

The details

Sinner was beaten by Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the Australian Open semi-finals. The Italian had been aiming to join an exclusive club of three consecutive Australian Open champions in the Open Era, but was unable to overcome the veteran Serbian star. Sinner's rival, Carlos Alcaraz, went on to beat Djokovic in the final and complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

  • Sinner is set to make his return to the ATP Tour next week at the Qatar Open.
  • Sinner lost to Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals on January 27, 2026.

The players

Jannik Sinner

A 22-year-old Italian tennis player who was aiming to win his third consecutive Australian Open title before losing to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Novak Djokovic

A 39-year-old Serbian tennis player who defeated Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals and went on to lose to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Carlos Alcaraz

A 22-year-old Spanish tennis player who won the Australian Open title, completing a Career Grand Slam.

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What they’re saying

“The match against Nole taught me a lot. I think it was a great match, both on my part and on his. I had my chances, sometimes it doesn't go as you hope, but that's sport.”

— Jannik Sinner (Sky Sports Italy)

What’s next

Sinner's 2026 Qatar Open journey starts with a match against Tomas Machac, someone he has faced twice before on the ATP Tour and holds a perfect record against. Sinner could meet Jakub Mensik in the quarter-finals, and potential semi-final opponents include Alexander Bublik, Arthur Fils or Jiri Lehecka.

The takeaway

Sinner's loss to Djokovic at the Australian Open was a setback, but his willingness to learn from the defeat and continue improving shows his maturity and dedication to the sport. As he prepares for his return to the tour, Sinner's performance at the Qatar Open will be closely watched to see if he can bounce back from the disappointment in Melbourne.