Qatar Open: Jan Choinski Falls to Jakub Mensik in Three-Set Comeback
Jan Choinski pushed hard at the 2026 Qatar ExxonMobil Open but fell short in a three-set battle against Czech star Jakub Mensik. The British qualifier lost 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-4 on February 16, 2026, in Doha. Choinski entered the ATP 500 event ranked No. 124 and earned his main-draw spot through qualifying. Mensik, seeded No. 6 and ranked No. 16, used his power and composure to flip the match.
The result ended Jan Choinski’s Doha campaign but underlined his ability to compete against Top 20 opposition on hard courts.
Match Breakdown: How the Momentum Shifted
First Set: Choinski Strikes First
Jan Choinski opened with confidence and controlled baseline rallies early. He held serve consistently and forced a tie-break in the opening set. Choinski won the breaker 7-6(6), showing strong nerve under pressure. His first-serve percentage sat near 68%, keeping points short and controlled. That early edge gave him momentum and belief. However, sustaining that level against a rising ATP contender required even more precision.
Second and Third Sets: Mensik Responds
Mensik raised his intensity immediately in set two. He attacked second serves and won 75% of first-serve points overall. The Czech secured an early break and took the second set 6-2 in just 32 minutes. In the decider, Mensik converted key break opportunities and closed 6-4. His 10 aces and stronger return numbers proved decisive. The comeback reflected improved tactical maturity from the 20-year-old.
Match Statistics Snapshot
The numbers highlight why Jan Choinski ultimately lost control of the match.
| Category | Jan Choinski | Jakub Mensik |
|---|---|---|
| ATP Ranking (Feb 16, 2026) | 124 | 16 |
| Aces | 3 | 10 |
| Double Faults | 2 | 2 |
| First Serve % | 68% | 66% |
| First Serve Points Won | 63% | 75% |
| Sets Won | 1 | 2 |
Mensik’s dominance on first serve and superior break-point conversion shaped the final result. Those margins matter at the ATP 500 level.
Jan Choinski’s 2026 Season Context
Jan Choinski has focused on building ranking stability through Challenger and ATP 250 events in 2026. The 29-year-old turned pro in 2016 and continues to rely on flat, penetrating groundstrokes. His Doha qualification required back-to-back tight wins, including a final-set tie-break in qualifying. That resilience carried into the main draw. Taking a set off a Top 20 opponent shows growth, but converting pressure moments remains the next step.
Doha offered valuable ATP points and elite-level exposure. Even in defeat, Jan Choinski demonstrated he can compete physically and tactically at ATP 500 tournaments. The challenge now is sustaining that level across full matches.
Mensik’s Doha Run Adds Context
Jakub Mensik did not stop after defeating Jan Choinski. The Czech stunned world No. 2 Jannik Sinner 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 in the quarterfinals, one of the biggest wins of the 2026 season. Mensik served 11 aces in that match and won over 80% of first-serve points. His Doha campaign ended in the semifinals, but the performance strengthened his Top 20 position.
Mensik already claimed the Auckland ATP title in January 2026. His aggressive return game and improved composure have fueled his rise. That context makes Choinski’s opening-set win even more notable.
Key Takeaways from Doha
Jan Choinski showed:
- Strong tie-break composure.
- Competitive baseline depth.
- Ability to pressure the Top 20 players.
However, the match exposed:
- Lower ace output.
- Difficulty converting break chances late.
- Drop in second-set intensity.
At ATP 500 events, small statistical gaps often decide outcomes. Mensik capitalized on those margins decisively.
Bottom Line
Jan Choinski’s three-set loss at the 2026 Qatar Open was competitive but revealing. He proved he can challenge elite players by taking the opening set against a Top 20 seed. Yet Mensik’s power, serving efficiency, and break-point execution shifted the match. For Choinski, the focus now turns to consistency and closing key moments. For Mensik, Doha confirmed his upward trajectory.
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