Serve On SI

Tsitsipas' Big Win, Djokovic's Return, & Other ATP News

Recapping the biggest ATP storylines from February 18, 2026.
Pat Benson|
Stefanos Tsitsipas upset Daniil Medvedev in the Qatar Open.
Stefanos Tsitsipas upset Daniil Medvedev in the Qatar Open. | IMAGO / NurPhoto

Thanks to the global popularity of tennis, the ATP and WTA Tours never stop. Currently, there are tournaments taking place all over the world, and new storylines popping up around the clock.

From shocking upsets to coaching changes, Wednesday has already delivered plenty of drama on the men's side. Below is what fans need to know about from Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Upsets Daniil Medvedev

Injuries and coaching changes have resulted in Stefanos Tsitsipas sliding down to world No. 33 in the ATP Rankings. However, the Greek star picked up a major win against the fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev in the Round of 16 at the Qatar Open. Tsitsipas defeated Medvedev in straight sets: 6-3, 6-4. He will face the fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinal tomorrow.

Novak Djokovic Returns to Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of every tournament before and after this Australian Open finals run. However, there is a clear return date for the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Djokovic will compete in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells during the first week of March.

Arthur Fils Hires a New Coach

Arthur Fils' legendary French Open run was cut short by a back injury last year that ended up derailing his entire season. Fils has since shaken up his team and announced Goran Ivanisevic as his new head coach. Fils defeated Quentin Halys in straight sets in the Round of 16 at the Qatar Open. The Frenchman will face the eighth-seeded Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinal tomorrow.

Jannik Sinner Continues to Dominate

Jannik Sinner defeated Alexei Popyrin in the Round of 16 at the Qatar Open: 6-3, 7-5. Sinner has now beaten 50 straight players outside of the top 50. Sinner said after the match, "I just try to do my best. I respect every player. But I try to play my best tennis always if I can. I know the ranking at the end of the day is just a number. I feel like everyone is playing high intensity and high quality."

However, his path to the final will get more challenging when he faces Jakub Menšík in the quarterfinal tomorrow.

Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Serve On SI for all of your tennis news from the court and beyond.

More Tennis News

Paula Badosa fired back at a fan on social media.

Frances Tiafoe's lululemon lit lands him in hot water at Delray Beach.

Coco Gauff expanded upon her political views during an interview in Dubai.

Tennis has delivered plenty of dramatic storylines off the court this weekend.

Fans used ink from Roland Garros' clay court to write personal letters to Rafael Nadal.

Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

Share on XFollow Pat_Benson_Jr
Home/News