World No. 2 Jannik Sinner made a commanding return to action at the Qatar Open in Doha, brushing aside the Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac in straight sets on Monday. Playing his first match since his semifinal defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, the Italian looked sharp and physically assured in a 6-1, 6-4 victory that lasted just 70 minutes.

Sinner wasted little time in stamping his authority, racing through the opening set in just 27 minutes. Speaking after the win, the four-time Grand Slam champion offered a reassuring update on his condition. “I felt good on court. Physically, I feel good. Now, of course, every match is gonna get tougher and tougher. Hopefully I’ll be ready for the next one.” 

The win carried added meaning for the Italian. Just a year ago, in the lead-up to this very tournament, the WADA sanction related to the Clostebol saga was officially announced, casting uncertainty over his 2025 campaign. Returning to Doha now under far calmer circumstances, Sinner appeared at ease both on and off the court.

During his on-court interview with former England footballer Rio Ferdinand, Jannik Sinner was asked about the presence of football star Marco Verratti in the stands and his experience with the Qatari crowd. Replying to that, he said, “I played a junior tournament… I won’t say a long, long time ago, but it was a little while ago. Last year I was here. Then I didn’t play. This time it feels even more special. Hanging out with good friends like Marco, and I have many other friends here. It’s great. Seeing so many people watching and following tennis, this is what we’re here for. Making everything in the best way possible. Thanks for coming.”

On court, the 24-year-old delivered a near-flawless serving display despite windy conditions. He lost just six points across nine service games, fired seven aces, and landed 69 percent of his first serves, winning 25 of 29 first-serve points. In the opening set alone, Sinner served at 74 percent and claimed 16 of 19 service points, dominating baseline exchanges and breaking early to surge ahead 3-0. A blistering forehand winner down the line sealed the 26-minute set in style.

Machac showed resilience in the second set, particularly with aggressive backhand strikes down the line. The Olympic mixed doubles gold medalist held firm at times and even saved three match points in a gritty 4-5 hold. However, Sinner’s relentless baseline pressure proved too much. A crucial break in the fifth game gave him the edge, and after needing five match points, the Italian closed the contest with his seventh ace down the T.

“You have to adapt to every situation and condition on the court,” Sinner noted, reflecting on the windy afternoon in Doha.

Bidding to become the first Italian champion in tournament history, Sinner has sent a clear early message. His next challenge will be Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, who stormed past Qatari wild card Mubarak Shannan Zayid 6-0, 6-2 in his opener.

The World No. 53 Popyrin has split his two previous meetings with Sinner, though the Italian delivered a dominant 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win in their 2025 US Open clash. 

If his opening performance is anything to go by, Jannik Sinner looks physically refreshed and mentally reset - ready to turn the page in Doha and build momentum as the season gathers pace. Has he put any extra effort into sharpening his skills after the AO loss, though?

Jannik Sinner spills the beans about how he prepared himself before this tournament

Ahead of his first ATP 500 appearance of the season in Doha, Jannik Sinner offered a candid look into the work happening behind the scenes. Rather than experimenting with dramatic tactical changes, the Italian revealed his focus has been on sharpening fundamentals, especially his serve and physical conditioning.

“Honestly, at the moment [we are working] on the usual stuff. Trying to get a very solid serve at the moment, which is what we work a lot on,” Sinner told ATP Media. “Also, a lot in the gym, the gym sessions are very important. I try to make an extra step forward in that scenario, and that’s it.”

The preparation follows his disappointing semifinal defeat to Novak Djokovic earlier in the season, but Sinner insists the recent weeks were less about rebuilding and more about continuing a long-term plan already set in motion during the offseason training block in Dubai.

“The season has started. A lot of the work we have done was in the offseason,” Sinner explained. “Now, of course, we try to keep working but also to maintain the level of fitness, too. I think everything is going quite well. Of course, you need to play some matches, trying to have the best feedback.” For the World No. 2, matches serve as a feedback mechanism rather than just results. Training intensity, he says, dictates match performance and vice versa.

Jannik Sinner’s relentless pursuit of improvement has not only elevated his own game but also inspired a broader Italian surge in men’s tennis, with players like Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, and Luciano Darderi pushing forward in his wake.

Renowned coach Brad Gilbert echoed that sentiment in an interview with SuperTennis, praising both Sinner’s mindset and his support system, including coach Darren Cahill.

“There is no doubt that he has been the best player in the world for the last 18 months. The most important thing is that he has had the ability to improve every year, as well as having an impeccable attitude both on and off the pitch. He has a fantastic team around him, and the arrival of Darren Cahill has given him further help. Jannik's willingness to try new things and keep learning was the key factor.”

With a reinforced serve, intense fitness block, and a mindset built around constant feedback, Jannik Sinner’s Doha campaign appears less about short-term results and more about refining the machine that has already turned him into one of tennis’ most consistent forces.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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