Jannik Sinner has now assessed his Australian Open defeat against Novak Djokovic

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Jannik Sinner is set to make his return to the ATP Tour next week, following his Australian Open semi-final loss.

Sinner was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park, with the Serbian star coming out on top in a five-set battle.

The Italian, who had been aiming to join an exclusive club of three consecutive Australian Open champions in the Open Era, lost 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.

His rival Carlos Alcaraz went on to beat Djokovic in the final and complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

Now, ahead of his campaign at the Qatar Open, Sinner took a moment to reflect on the loss to the 39-year-old.

Jannik Sinner reflects on his failed Australian Open title defence

Reflecting on the loss in a conversation with Sky Sports Italy, Sinner said: “The match against Nole taught me a lot.

“I think it was a great match, both on my part and on his. I had my chances, sometimes it doesn’t go as you hope, but that’s sport.

“We’re changing small details on the court, things that take a bit of time to become as natural as possible. But he gave me good feedback.

“We must not forget that sometimes losing is normal; it happens. Now we’ll see how it goes moving forward.”

Alcaraz then went on to defeat Djokovic in the final and completed his Career Grand Slam at just 22 years of age.

Sinner has since reflected on that loss as he prepares for a title run at the Qatar Open.

Who Jannik Sinner faces first at the 2026 Qatar Open

Sinner’s 2026 Qatar Open journey starts with a familiar opponent in Tomas Machac, someone he has faced twice before on the ATP Tour.

The four-time major winner holds a perfect record in those meetings, having defeated Machac at both the Miami Open and Shanghai Masters back in 2024.

Sinner could meet Jakub Mensik in the quarter-finals. Mensik missed his scheduled fourth-round match against Djokovic at the Australian Open due to injury.

As for potential semi-final opponents, the Italian star could end up facing Alexander Bublik, Arthur Fils or Jiri Lehecka.

Sinner missed last year’s Qatar Open while serving a three-month suspension from tennis.