Zhang Zhizhen falls short, missing chance to challenge Sinner as Doha quarterfinals intensify

On February 18 local time, the ATP 500 Doha quarterfinal lineup was set, with Chinese player Zhang Zhizhen losing 3-6, 2-6 to 6th seed Monfils in their first meeting during the men’s singles second round. Zhang competed with a protected ranking and had previously defeated Spanish qualifier Baena in straight sets in the first round. Thanks to this valuable ATP 500-level victory, Zhang’s live ranking has risen back into the top 300, currently standing at No. 262.

Zhang Zhizhen

In the past ten days, Zhang Zhizhen has competed consecutively in Nansha Guangzhou, Brisbane, and Doha, achieving a singles record of 7 wins and 1 loss (plus one doubles win). He first secured two points for China in the Davis Cup World Group I Play-offs against Portugal on February 6-7, helping China advance to the World Group I. Then he won the CH75 Brisbane Challenger last week before quickly heading to Doha. Next, he will participate in the ATP 500 Dubai tournament starting next week.

Monfils will face world No. 2 Sinner in the quarterfinals. Sinner advanced by defeating Australian player Popyrin 6-3, 7-5, aiming for his third consecutive ATP 500 title after last year’s China Open and Vienna victories. He is also likely to meet Alcaraz again in the final, marking their 17th encounter. In two other second-round matches in the bottom half, 8th seed Lehecka, who upset Alcaraz here last year, cruised past Berrettini 6-2, 6-1, while French star Fils defeated compatriot Alcaraz 6-1, 7-6(7).

Top seed Alcaraz, leading the upper half, defeated French player Royer 6-2, 7-5. The Spaniard rallied from 2-5 down in the second set to win five consecutive games, avoiding a deciding set. After completing a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, Alcaraz is currently on a nine-match winning streak. He will face 7th seed and 2024 champion Kachanov in the quarterfinals, who battled through a tough 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 win over Vusovic.

The other quarterfinal in the upper half will be between 5th seed and defending champion Rublev and Greek star Tsitsipas. Rublev defeated Marosan 6-2, 6-4, while Tsitsipas ended his three-match losing streak against Medvedev by winning their 15th “Messi battle” 6-3, 6-4.

ATP Doha Quarterfinal Matchups

Alcaraz [1] vs. Kachanov [7]

Rublev [5] vs. Tsitsipas

Lehecka [8] vs. Fils

Sinner [2] vs. Monfils [6]

(Text and editing by Wang Fei, images courtesy of Visual China)