Jannik Sinner Impresses in Qatar Open Comeback After Australian Open Setback
Competing for the first time since his grueling Australian Open semifinal loss last month, second-seeded Jannik Sinner cruised into the second round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory over Czechia’s Tomas Machac on Monday, according to a Reuters report. The match took place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Philippine time.
Sinner, who entered the year as the two-time defending champion in Melbourne before falling in a five-set epic to Novak Djokovic, showed no signs of a post-tournament "hangover" in his return to the court. The Italian was clinical throughout the match, committing only nine unforced errors and never facing a single break point, demonstrating his resilience and top form.
Other Key Results from the Qatar ExxonMobil Open
In other first-round action at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, fourth seed Daniil Medvedev, the 2023 Doha champion, also advanced smoothly with a 6-4, 6-2 win over China’s Shang Juncheng. Sixth seed Jakub Mensik secured his place in the next round by defeating British qualifier Jan Choinski 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-4 in a hard-fought match.
Additionally, Alexei Popyrin, Arthur Fils, and Valentin Royer progressed to the second round, as reported by Reuters, highlighting a competitive field in the ATP 250 event.
Dusan Lajovic Upsets Daniel Altmaier at Rio Open
Over in Brazil, Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic reached the Rio Open last 16 with a notable 6-4, 7-6 (7) victory over seventh seed Daniel Altmaier of Germany. Lajovic, who earned a place in the main draw as a lucky loser, showcased strong serving and net play, winning 79 percent of points on his first serve and taking 12 of 14 points at the net to prevail in two hours and two minutes on the outdoor clay court of the Jockey Club Brasileiro.
World No. 54 Altmaier hit eight aces but struggled with consistency, making 38 unforced errors and winning just 39 percent of points on his second serve. Lajovic, ranked 129th, will next face either Tomas Barrios Vera of Chile or Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the ATP 500 event.
Additional First-Round Matches at the Rio Open
In other first-round matches at the Rio Open, Czech Vit Kopriva overcame local favorite Gustavo Heide 6-2, 7-6 (5), Alejandro Tabilo of Chile beat American Emilio Nava 6-3, 6-3, and Argentine Thiago Tirante defeated Chile’s Cristian Garin 7-5, 6-3, according to reports from Xinhua.
