Jakub Mensik stunned world number two Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, securing the biggest win of his career. The 20-year-old Czech defeated Sinner 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 to advance. In other quarterfinals, Carlos Alcaraz came from behind to beat Karen Khachanov, while Andrey Rublev and Arthur Fils also progressed.
Qatar ExxonMobil Open Quarterfinals
On Thursday in Doha, Jakub Mensik produced a strong performance to upset Jannik Sinner in their first meeting. The sixth seed won 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 over the world number two, ending Sinner's run of 22 wins in 23 matches since his only loss to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals. Mensik, who reached the final in Doha two years ago after beating Andrey Rublev, saved four break points in the first set and won 82 percent of his first-serve points, according to Infosys ATP Stats.
"Before the match I knew about Jannik’s quality. A great guy, a great champion," Mensik said. "But even with that thought, I came to the match to win it, and actually having a winning mindset."
Mensik broke Sinner in the opening game of the third set and held serve to clinch the two-hour, 12-minute match. The victory moves Mensik to No. 13 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and sets up a semifinal against Arthur Fils. The Frenchman, returning from a back injury, defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-3 for his first tour-level semifinal since April 2025.
In the other semifinal, world number one Carlos Alcaraz overcame Karen Khachanov 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-3 in his first tournament since completing a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open. Alcaraz broke Khachanov twice in the third set to advance.
"It was a really close and tight match," Alcaraz said. "I'm just really proud about the way that I fought."
Alcaraz will face defending champion Andrey Rublev, who beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(2). Mensik seeks his second ATP title of 2026 after winning Auckland earlier this year.
