(Video) Jannik Sinner Caught in Awkward Encounter with Chatty Novak Djokovic Fan in Doha Elevator

Jannik Sinner failed in his title defense Down Under due to his five-set defeat to Novak Djokovic.

(Video) Jannik Sinner Caught in Awkward Encounter with Chatty Novak Djokovic Fan in Doha Elevator

A talkative fan questioned Jannik Sinner (L) about Novak Djokovic (R) (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ, Jannik Sinner Files, Olly_Tennis)

In Short
  • Jannik Sinner is competing in the ATP 500 Qatar Open after his semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
  • A video of Sinner's awkward encounter with a chatty fan in an elevator has gained attention on social media.
  • Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Doha event but is expected to return for the Sunshine Doubles tournaments.

Jannik Sinner is in Doha, participating in the ATP 500 Qatar Open. He has already played his first match, against Tomas Machac, which was also his first official match since his five-set semifinal defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.

A clip of Sinner, known for his reserved personality, being questioned by a talkative fan in an elevator has surfaced on social media. In the awkward yet hilarious encounter, the fan first asked him for a selfie, following which began his rapid-fire questions. “With the absence of Novak Djokovic, do you think you can win?” asked the fan to which Sinner replied, “I hope so.“

The four-time Grand Slam champion was with his coach, Simone Vagnozzi, who asked him, “What is it, an interview?” Sinner replied, “I don’t know“.

Watch the video here:

Djokovic withdrew from the Doha event, where last year he lost to Matteo Berrettini in the first round. He’s expected to be back on the tour for the two Sunshine Doubles tournaments.

Sinner will next be squaring off against Alexei Popyrin and will be aiming to improve his head-to-head record to 2-1. The 24-year-old had skipped the Qatar Open last year because of the three-month doping ban.

Fabio Fognini on Jannik Sinner’s defeat to Novak Djokovic

Fabio Fognini urged everyone not to make a big deal out of compatriot Jannik Sinner‘s defeat to 38-year-old Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the Australian Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, also chasing his 11th title at Melbourne Park, beat Sinner for the first time after five consecutive defeats.

Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner
Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Danny, Jannik Sinner HQ)

He lost to the best player in history. Let’s not make a drama out of it. I know Jannik, he’ll get back on the right foot… No one expected him to win against Sinner in a Slam semifinal. Champions can do anything, and he proved his worth once again.

Fabio Fognini said at the press conference of the Tenerife Challenger

After eliminating the two-time defending champion, Djokovic fell in four sets in the final against Carlos Alcaraz. Had Sinner won and later defeated the Spaniard, he would have become the second man in the Open Era to win three consecutive titles in the event after Djokovic.

He and Jannik are two predestined, completely different players. They are starting to write important pages in our sport and have many years ahead of them.

Fabio Fognini added

Djokovic improved his head-to-head record over the four-time Grand Slam champion to 5-6. He made a Grand Slam final for the first time since the 2024 Wimbledon, where Alcaraz beat him in straight sets.

Carlos Alcaraz on his possible Qatar Open final against Jannik Sinner

Because Alcaraz and Sinner are the first and second seeds in the Doha event, respectively, they’ll only face each other if they both make the final. Alcaraz, who admitted that Sinner’s name in the draw of the same tournament he is playing motivates him to bring out his best tennis, made his feelings known on the possible clash with his arch-rival.

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (4)
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, Jannik Sinner HQ)

Well, it would be incredible, wouldn’t it? I think it’s the matches and the final that people want. But I think Doha has a very tough draw; we already have tricky first rounds. I always try to take it one match at a time. I try to win and get through all the rounds. We’ll see who makes it to the final.

Carlos Alcaraz told Sky Sports

Alcaraz made his debut in the Qatar Open last year, but his run ended in the quarterfinals, losing to Jiri Lehecka. He is chasing his ninth ATP 500 title while Sinner is chasing his eighth title. Alcaraz and Sinner last won an ATP 500 title at the 2025 Japan Open and the 2025 Vienna Open, respectively.

Also read: Carlos Alcaraz Reacts to Potential Clash with Jannik Sinner in the Final of the Qatar Open