Jakub Mensik wants to once again steal the spotlight. After making a name for himself in the tennis world, winning his first title last year at the Miami Open at 19 years old against Novak Djokovic, which was followed by exaggerated expectations that he did not meet, the Czech player wants 2026 to be the year he goes from a promise to reality. And after defeating Jannik Sinner with a great game in the quarterfinals of the ATP Doha (7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3) , he is on his way.
The Czech player once again displayed the tennis that brought him fame eleven months ago in Florida. An unstoppable serve, a powerful forehand, and great defense. Only in this way can one overcome Jannik Sinner, who seemed uncomfortable from the start, rushed and making unforced errors uncommon for him.
While the Italian did not play his best match and shows that he has started 2026 on the wrong foot, it is worth noting Mensik's flawless performance, even after losing the second set. When it seemed like he was running out of energy, he appeared just as sharp and secure in the third set as he did in the first, ultimately unsettling the world number two, who kneeled in their first encounter.
Despite his success, Mensik has not won anything yet and in less than 24 hours he will face Arthur Fils for a spot in Saturday's final, where Carlos Alcaraz could be waiting. Therefore, the Czech player wanted to stay grounded in his on-court interview, while also acknowledging his achievement against the player from San Candido.

Jakub Mensik proud of his big win against Jannik Sinner in Doha
Before the match, I knew about Jannik's qualities. He's a great guy. A great champion. What he has achieved in his young career is impressive. I knew it would be tough. But even with that in mind, I came into this match to win it. With a winning mentality.
I served quite well, even when conditions started deteriorating during the night. It was a very tough mental battle. After the second set, when my energy dropped a bit, I managed to recover after going to the bathroom. From the beginning of the third set, I served well again, so I'm happy with my performance today.
He will seek to replicate his great tennis in the semifinals against Fils.
It's a great victory and it will surely have a great impact in my country, but tomorrow is the semifinals and I have to stay focused because this tournament continues. I will try to recover as best as possible, it's time to celebrate the win a bit, but then I'll go to sleep and tomorrow follow the same routine as today and hopefully show the same level,” states Jakub Mensik, who not only surprised by beating Jannik Sinner but also sends a clear warning to the circuit. Here is the promise, once again, but ready to become reality.
Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale Mensik, tras vencer a Sinner en Doha: "Llegué a este partido para ganarlo"

