Sport

Doha, Qatar – In a stunning upset at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, 20-year-old Jakub Mensik defeated world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals on Thursday, securing his place in the semi-finals. The Czech Republic native overcame Sinner 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3 in a match lasting over two hours, marking the biggest win of his career by Professional International Tennis Federation (PIF) ATP Ranking according to the ATP Tour.

The victory halts Sinner’s impressive 22-match winning streak, with his only previous defeat in that run coming against Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open last month. Mensik, currently ranked No. 16, demonstrated remarkable composure and serving prowess to dismantle the Italian’s momentum and advance to the final four.

Mensik’s performance was particularly notable given Sinner’s dominant form in 2025, where he reached 10 finals, claiming titles at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. However, the young Czech proved too strong on Thursday, delivering a clinical performance that disrupted Sinner’s rhythm and ultimately led to the upset. Tennis Infinity reported that Sinner had opportunities early in the match, but Mensik saved all four break points.

“Of course before the match I knew about Jannik’s qualities,” Mensik said following the win. “He’s a great guy. A great champion. I knew it was gonna be a tough one… I’m really happy I came back after the toilet break. From the beginning of the 3rd set I just started to serve well again.”

Mensik’s Path to the Semi-Finals

This isn’t Mensik’s first notable result in Doha. Two years prior, he notched a victory against Andrey Rublev during a successful run to the championship match at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. This latest win builds on that pedigree, solidifying his position as a rising star in the ATP Tour. The ATP Tour highlighted Mensik’s nerveless performance in the deciding set as crucial to his victory.

The match saw a fluctuating dynamic, with Sinner taking the second set 6-2 after Mensik claimed the first in a tiebreak. However, Mensik regained control in the third, securing key breaks to close out the match and secure his semi-final berth. He produced a relentless serving performance to sink Sinner.

Semi-Final Matchups Confirmed

Mensik will now face unseeded Frenchman Arthur Fils in the semi-finals. Fils advanced after defeating Mensik’s compatriot, Jiri Lehecka, in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. Fils recently added Goran Ivanisevic to his team and is looking to reach his fourth ATP final and his second title of 2026, having won the Auckland Open last month.

In the other semi-final, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will face defending champion Andrey Rublev. Both players secured their spots in the final four after winning their respective quarter-final ties. Alcaraz battled past Karen Khachanov, while Rublev continued his title defense with a strong performance.

What’s Next?

The semi-final matches promise exciting competition as Mensik and Fils, along with Alcaraz and Rublev, vie for a place in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open final. Mensik’s victory over Sinner has undoubtedly established him as a player to watch, and his performance in the semi-finals will be closely scrutinized. The tournament continues to deliver compelling action, showcasing the depth of talent within the ATP Tour.

Share your thoughts on this surprising result and the upcoming semi-finals in the comments below!

Bethlehem, PA – The launch and early progress of the Lehigh University women’s wrestling program took center stage on the latest episode of Mountain Hawk Talk, the official podcast of Lehigh Athletics. The show, hosted by senior journalism majors CJ Abell and Jasuah Philemon, featured interviews with Mountain Hawks Abbi Cooper and Kryssceah Ravenelle, providing an inside look at the team’s development and mindset as it navigates its inaugural season as a Division I program.

The conversation centered on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with building a wrestling program from the ground up. Cooper and Ravenelle discussed the culture they are actively fostering within the team, emphasizing a commitment to both athletic excellence and personal growth. The podcast explored how the team is approaching competition, focusing on establishing a strong foundation for future success. Listeners can access the full episode on Lehighsports.com/podcasts or through Spotify.

Lehigh’s investment in women’s wrestling reflects a growing trend in collegiate athletics. The program’s launch comes at a time of increasing participation and recognition for the sport, with women’s wrestling recently being named a provisional sport by the NCAA in 2024, paving the way for potential championship status in the future. This development is expected to further fuel the growth of the sport at all levels.

Both Cooper and Ravenelle have already made significant contributions to the Mountain Hawks’ early success. Cooper, wrestling at 117 pounds, recently secured a title at the Grand View Open on February 7, 2026, marking her third open tournament win of the season, according to LehighSports.com. Ravenelle, competing at 138 pounds, also placed at the Grand View Open, finishing in fifth place. The team as a whole currently boasts a dual meet record of 14-1, demonstrating a strong start to their competitive season, as reported by news-usa.today.

The Mountain Hawks recently split a tri-meet at Iowa on January 19, 2026, defeating Otterbein 32-11 before falling to the nationally ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 37-7. During the Otterbein match, Audrey Jimenez (110), Aubre Krazer (131), Cameron Millsapps (160) and Genevieve An (207) all secured victories by fall. Cooper and Ravenelle also contributed to the win with technical falls.

Looking ahead, Lehigh will be heading to West Virginia for the NCAA Super Region 2 Meet, as announced by Lehigh Athletics. The team will aim to build on its strong regular season performance and qualify wrestlers for the NCAA Championships. The program’s focus remains on continued development, fostering a positive team culture, and establishing itself as a competitive force in the rapidly growing world of collegiate women’s wrestling.

The success of athletes like Cooper and Ravenelle, combined with the dedication of the coaching staff and the support of the university, positions Lehigh Women’s Wrestling for a promising future. The team’s journey, as highlighted on Mountain Hawk Talk, offers a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

What are your thoughts on the growth of women’s wrestling in collegiate athletics? Share your comments below and join the conversation!

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In Episode 9, we’re joined by @lehighwomenswrestling Abbi Cooper and Kryssceah Ravenelle. They dive into the launch of the new Division I program, the culture they’re building from the ground up, and the mindset driving the team forward this season. Links in bio for full episode.

Milan, Italy – Alysa Liu, at just 20 years classic, has etched her name into Olympic history, securing the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Her victory ends a 24-year drought for the United States in this event, a testament to a career defined by both extraordinary talent and unexpected turns. Liu’s total score of 226.79, a personal best, propelled her to the top of the podium, surpassing Japan’s Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto.

Liu’s path to Olympic glory is anything but conventional. She became the youngest-ever U.S. Champion at the age of 13, a feat that immediately marked her as a skater to watch. However, she then announced her retirement from the sport at 16, citing burnout and a desire to focus on other aspects of her life. But the competitive fire proved too strong to extinguish, and she returned to the ice, ultimately claiming the world championships at 19 before reaching the pinnacle of her sport here in Milan.

The final free skate was a nail-biting affair, with Nakai, 17, pushing Liu to her limit. NBC figure skating analyst Tara Lipinski predicted before Nakai’s performance, “If she free skates this free skate clean, she will probably become the Olympic champion.” While Nakai delivered a fantastic performance, it was Liu who skated with an “overabundance of joy,” according to reports, captivating the audience and judges alike. Liu’s season-best free skate score of 150.20 sealed her victory.

“I just can’t process this,” Liu said after her win, visibly overwhelmed with emotion. “There’s no way.”

The competition also saw a poignant moment for Kaori Sakamoto, the reigning world champion, who announced her retirement prior to the Games. She finished with the silver medal, a fitting end to a distinguished career. American Amber Glenn, despite a challenging short program where she received zero points for an invalid element, showcased her resilience with a brilliant free skate, earning a score of 147.52 and finishing fifth overall.

A Historic Win for American Figure Skating

Liu’s gold medal marks the first for an American woman in Olympic figure skating since Sarah Hughes’ triumph in 2002. This victory is not only a personal achievement for Liu but also a significant moment for the U.S. Figure skating program, signaling a resurgence of talent and potential. The win is a culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and a remarkable ability to overcome adversity.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Games continue to deliver compelling storylines, and Friday promises another day of exciting competition. The women’s 1,500-metre speed skating final at 10:30 a.m. ET is set to be a highlight, featuring Japan’s Miho Takagi, who with 10 Olympic medals, trails only Ireen Wüst for the most in speed skating history. Takagi is the favorite, having won silver in this event twice previously. Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida, a national hero after winning gold in the 3,000 and 5,000 metres, will also be a strong contender.

Friday’s Schedule: Speed Skating, Freestyle Skiing, and More

Beyond speed skating, the men’s freestyle skiing halfpipe final (1:30 p.m. ET) will feature Team USA’s Alex Ferreira and New Zealand’s Finley Melville Ives as the favorites, following the retirement of defending Olympic champion Nico Porteous. Great Britain’s Gus Kenworthy, returning for his fourth Winter Olympics after coming out of retirement, adds another compelling narrative to the event.

The women’s short track 1,500 metres will be the final Olympic race for Italian legend Arianna Fontana, who has already secured 14 Olympic medals, making her the most decorated Olympian in Italy’s history across both Winter and Summer Games. The quarterfinals begin at 2:15 p.m. ET. Finally, the women’s ski cross final, scheduled for 7:10 a.m. ET, will showcase defending Olympic champion Sandra Naeslund of Sweden, Switzerland’s Fanny Smith, and Jole Gaili of Italy.

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Games progress, the stories of resilience, determination, and athletic excellence continue to unfold. The coming days promise further moments of drama and inspiration as athletes from around the world compete for Olympic glory.

What are your thoughts on Alysa Liu’s incredible comeback and gold medal win? Share your comments below and join the conversation!