Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Feb 20: Czech rising star Jakub Mensik produced a major upset at the Qatar Open, defeating World No. 2 Jannik Sinner 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event.

The 20-year-old Mensik, who won the 2025 Miami Open, notched the biggest victory of his career by ATP ranking. Two years ago, he recorded his first Top 5 win against Andrey Rublev during a breakthrough run to the Doha final. Mensik now holds a 4-2 record against Top 5 opponents, including wins over Novak Djokovic and Sinner, and has risen three spots to No. 13 in the ATP Live Rankings, according to ATP.

“Before the match, I knew about Jannik’s quality. He’s a great guy and a great champion. But I came to the match with a winning mindset,” Mensik said after the win.

Mensik will face 21-year-old Fils in the semifinals on Friday, aiming to reach the Doha final for the second time. Fils, returning from a long injury layoff, earned his first tour-level semi-final since last April by defeating Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-3.

“I didn’t know I was going to play that well so quickly after six to eight months out with injury. I’m happy with how I’m progressing, but it’s not my best tennis yet. I just need to fight every match and keep getting better,” Fils said in his post-match press conference.