Stefanos Tsitsipas sends public message to Andrey Rublev after losing to him at the Qatar Open
Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesCameron GreenleesFri, February 20, 2026 at 3:30 AM UTC·1 min readStefanos Tsitsipas’ promising run at the Qatar Open came to an end after losing to defending champion Andrey Rublev.
Fifth seed Rublev defeated Tsitsipas in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5 to book his place in the semifinals at the ATP 500 tournament.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Greek star had been enjoying a solid campaign in Doha, having secured wins over Moez Echargui and former world number one Daniil Medvedev.
Tsitsipas had no answer for Rublev, however, whom he sent a message to following their match.
Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesStefanos Tsitsipas congratulates Andrey Rublev after the match
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tsitsipas said: “A positive week in Doha overall.
“Congrats to @AndreyRublev97 on a great match today. Onwards and upwards from here.”
Rublev tied with the head-to-head with Tsitsipas with his victory in the Qatar Open quarterfinals.
The Russian has won their last two meetings on the ATP Tour, having emerged victorious in their last clash at the 2022 ATP Finals.
Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesStefanos Tsitsipas’ 2026 season on the ATP Tour so far
Tsitsipas kicked off his 2026 season at the United Cup, where he came out on top in all three of his matches for Team Greece.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe then crashed out in the first round of the Adelaide International, however, before exiting the Australian Open in round two.
Following two wins in the Davis Cup, Tsitsipas entered the Rotterdam Open, where he earned one victory before losing to Botic van de Zandschulp.
The Qatar Open marked his best tournament campaign of the season so far, with two triumphs.
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