ATP Doha: Jannik Sinner Returns to Action After Australian Open Semifinal

Jannik Sinner, the ATPATP world number two, returns to the courts after a painful loss in the Australian Open 2026 semifinal. The Italian was defeated by Novak Djokovic in five sets, which ended his run as the two-time defending champion. Now, Sinner begins his campaign in Doha at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, an ATP 500 event. The tournament's prize money totals over $2.8 million. The Italian is seeded second, just behind Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who is defending points from the previous season. Sinner's first opponent will be Czech tennis player Tomas Machac, ranked 31st in the world. The match is scheduled for Monday, February 16th. For Sinner, the tournament in Qatar holds symbolic significance – last year he had to withdraw from the event under controversial circumstances following an agreement with WADA. Currently, the player declares full physical and mental readiness, emphasizing that he has drawn valuable lessons from his last confrontation with Djokovic and intends to go as far as possible in the tournament. The atmosphere in the Qatari capital is electric, with the city draped in posters featuring Alcaraz and Sinner, heralding the next stage in their battle for the world number one ranking. Sinner has trained intensively in the gym, working on the stability of his serve, which is expected to be a key element on the hard courts in Doha. The tournament lasts until February 22nd and serves as an important stop before the series of American Masters 1000 events. The Doha tournament, held since 1993, is one of the most important tennis events in the Middle East, having hosted legends such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Stefan Edberg in the past.„I learned a great deal from the loss to Djokovic. I want to go as far as possible in Doha.” — Jannik Sinner