Sinner and the bitter memory of the past in Doha: "Last year I was here, but I couldn't play"

Carlos Navarro | 16 Feb 2026 | 22.03

Sinner is back in Doha. Source: Getty

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Jannik Sinner advances with an iron fist in a tournament where he is eager to assert himself. The ATP Doha 2026 represents an opportunity to lick his wounds after his fall in Australia against Novak Djokovic, an ideal moment to make a statement and reclaim his dominance on hardcourts. If his first match is any indicator of what's to come, Tomas Machac felt those assertive intentions, dominated by a whirlwind that allowed him just five games.

It was a special day for the one from San Candido. Not only because of the debut, but also for stepping onto a Main Court where last year he received some of the worst news of his entire sporting career. Jannik was in Qatari lands, preparing for his participation in the event, when he learned of the suspension by the WADA that would keep him out of action for three months, denying him the opportunity to compete in Doha and keeping him away from the courts for a season.

Court-side and after defeating the Czech player, Jannik recalled that moment when asked about his performance and his return to Doha. "I felt very good on the court today. Physically I feel quite good. I know, of course, that each match will get more complicated. I hope to be ready for the next one. I played a junior tournament here... I can't say it was long ago, but it was quite a while (smiles). I was here last year, but I couldn't play, which makes this return even more special", mentioned Jannik, who appreciated the presence of several Italian fans in the stands, one of them being of a certain prestige: the footballer Marco Verratti, who is winding down his days as a professional in the Gulf country and was one more in today's audience.

Sinner reveals the type of relationship he maintains with his parents and whether he speaks with them regularly during tournaments

One of the most intriguing aspects in Jannik's words since arriving in Doha relates to the relationship with his parents. They are not often seen at tournaments: with a clearly low profile and natural worriers (the image of his mother on the brink of collapse in the Roland Garros final says it all about the intensity with which she experiences her son's matches), Jannik seems to want to keep them away from the spotlight, not wanting the media pressure on him to impact them.

"I'm not 13 anymore, I'm not at that age where you call them every day. We have a very relaxed relationship, both my parents and I, and my brother and I. There are weeks where we listen to each other and call every two days, but there are also times when we don't talk for a few weeks, and that seems normal to me. I have my lifestyle and they have theirs. I would love for my parents to come see me more at tournaments, but I also understand their situation, it is what it is and I accept it. I trust that they think I am mature enough and can handle everything." Those words reflect Jannik's personality very well and even show the difference in character and lifestyles compared to a Carlos Alcaraz who thrives on the presence of his loved ones at every event. Quite interesting, indeed.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sinner y el amargo recuerdo del pasado Doha: "El año pasado estuve aquí, pero no pude jugar"