Jannik Sinner Eyes World No. 1 Spot at Doha After Djokovic Exit

jannik sinner

As of 16 February 2026, Italian sensation Jannik Sinner remains at the forefront of men’s tennis, currently ranked World No. 2 and preparing for his highly anticipated return to the ATP Tour at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha.

Following a deep run at the 2026 Australian Open, where his quest for a third consecutive title in Melbourne was halted by Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, Sinner has spent the last fortnight reflecting on the defeat. “The loss against Djokovic has taught me many things,” Sinner remarked during his pre-tournament press in Doha, noting that he has focused specifically on his serve and physical conditioning to combat the desert heat.

Current Form and 2026 Outlook

Sinner enters the Doha draw as a primary favourite, especially following the withdrawal of Novak Djokovic due to fatigue. His first-round opponent is Czech player Tomas Machac, whom Sinner leads 2-0 in their head-to-head record. The tournament, which runs until 21 February, serves as a critical battleground for the World No. 1 ranking, as Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz continue their “two-man chess match” for the top spot in the PIF ATP Rankings.

Statistically, Sinner’s 2026 season has started strong with a 5-1 match record. His career trajectory remains historic, boasting 24 ATP singles titles, including four Grand Slams:

  • Australian Open: 2024, 2025
  • Wimbledon: 2025
  • U.S. Open: 2024

Off-Court Highlights

Beyond the baseline, Sinner has recently been celebrated for his roots in skiing. During the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Nike Atelier crafted a custom look for the Italian, honouring his childhood as one of Italy’s top young skiers in the Dolomites. Additionally, Sinner made headlines for his sportsmanship after a viral interaction with a fan in Qatar, further cementing his reputation as one of the tour’s most composed and respectful figures.

In his personal life, Sinner confirmed his relationship with Danish model Laila Hasanovic in late 2025, who has been seen supporting him during his recent Middle Eastern swing.

MetricDetails (as of Feb 2026)
Current ATP RankNo. 2
Career Titles24
Grand Slam Titles4
Next Matchvs. Tomas Machac (Doha)
Career Prize Money$57,467,301 CAD (approx.)