ATP Live Rankings: Jakub Mensik caused a major upset in the Qatar Open when the 20-year-old stunned World No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinal of the ATP 500 event.Mensik beat Sinner 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 for the biggest win of his career by ATP ranking.
Two years ago, the Czech notched his maiden Top 5 victory against Andrey Rublev during his breakout run to the championship match in Doha.
The 2025 Miami champion Mensik is now 4-2 against Top 5 opponents, a tally that includes victories against ATP No. 1 Club members Novak Djokovic and Sinner, and he is up three spots to No. 13 in the ATP Live Rankings as a result of his exploits in Doha so far, ATP reports.
“Before the match I knew about Jannik’s quality. A great guy, a great champion. Already what he has done in his young career, it’s pretty impressive, so I knew it was going to be a tough one. But even with that thought, I came to the match to win it, and actually having a winning mindset,” Mensik said.
He will bid to reach the final in the Qatari capital for the second time on Friday, when he faces the 21-year-old Fils.
Having made his return to action earlier this month after playing just two matches in the preceding eight months due to a back injury, Frenchman Fils earned his first tour-level semi-final appearance since last April by overcoming Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-3.
“I’m pretty happy with the way I’m playing now. It’s not my best tennis yet so far, but we’re getting there. I just need to fight every match to play a lot of balls, to play a lot of games, sets, points, to get again ready, and getting better and better,” said Fils in his post-match press conference.
Article Source: IANS