'There's no disaster': Jannik Sinner remains calm after shock defeat in Doha

The four-time Grand Slam champion was beaten 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 by the world No 16 in the quarter-finals of the ATP 500 event in Doha, in what was the first meeting between the two players.

Making his debut in Doha, Sinner had progressed confidently through the opening rounds, recording straight-sets victories over Alexei Popyrin and Tomas Machac.

Doha was only Sinner's second tournament of the season, following his semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic at last month's Australian Open.

Following the defeat to Mensik, Sinner said: "It's a match that went how it went, now let's see where we can improve. We're serene, there's no disaster.

"Obviously we are working to win as many matches as possible, these are moments that happen and I'm okay. I will dig myself out of this, I'm sure of it.

"In the first set, he served very, very well, 90% first serves and very angled, I had few chances to break.

"I tried to push but I couldn't as much as I want, in the third set I started bad and got a break that I couldn't get back anymore.

"Nothing bad happened, we're serene. We'll try to get the confidence back.

"It's moments that can happen, every player went through it. I'm really calm, I'm sure the work will pay off, results will come. Maybe not at Indian Wells or Miami, but the work will pay off. It's okay.

"It's normal to go through difficult moments. I've had tougher ones in the past, I know how to come back."

On the conditions in Doha, the 24-year-old Italian said: "Yeah, there was humidity, but it was a very calm moment.

"It wasn't a difficult situation on court. There was a lot of humidity and the ball didn't roll, but everything's normal. It's the first time I play in Doha and we understood a bit, for next year."

Asked about his goal for 2026, Sinner declared: "Of course, one of my biggest goals is Roland Garros. It's still a long way to go." 

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