Doha: Italian world No. 2 Jannik Sinner successfully launched his campaign at the 2026 Qatar ExxonMobil Open, which began Monday. Sinner advanced to the second round following a straight-sets victory over his Czech opponent, Tomas Machac.

According to Qatar News Agency, Sinner defeated the world No. 31 with a score of 6-1, 6-4 in the main first-round matches of the ATP 500 tournament.

In the next round, the 24-year-old Italian will face Australia's Alexei Popyrin (26), world No. 53, who secured his spot by defeating Qatari wildcard entry Mubarak Shannan Zayid (30) in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2. With this win, Popyrin snapped a 10-match losing streak; the Australian currently holds three career titles.

In other first-round action, Valentin Royer (France, world No. 60) defeated compatriot and qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert, 6-0, 6-3.

Jakub Mensik (Czech Republic, world No. 16) overcame British qualifier Jan Choinski in a comeback victory, 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-4.

Arthur Fils (France, world No. 40) rallied to defeat Poland's Kamil Majchrzak, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4.

The remaining main first-round matches of the tournament's 34th edition, which features a field of the world's top-ranked players, will conclude tomorrow.