Alex de Minaur's chances of reaching back-to-back ATP 500 finals took a massive boost overnight after the news surrounding Jannik Sinner's three-month ban.
Sinner, the current world No.1, is ineligible to compete on the circuit until May 4 after agreeing to a 90-day suspension due to testing positive twice for a banned substance last year.
The three-time major winner arrived in Doha for the upcoming 500-event, seen practising on the outside courts as he was primed to enter as the top-seed.
However, given the latest developments, the 23-year-old's suspension means Carlos Alcaraz will own the No.1 seed after winning the Rotterdam 500 tournament in the Netherlands earlier this month.
But it's also good news for de Minaur, who will move up into the No.2 seed, which is a favourable outcome considering his side of the draw.
The Aussie avoids Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic on the other half of the draw, meaning he can potentially face either player in the final only.
Standing in de Minaur's way is Daniil Medvedev (No.4 seed), Stefanos Tsitsipas (No.5 seed), and Andrey Rublev (No.6 seed).
World No.2 Alexander Zverev has opted to partake in the South American clay court swing; now preparing to feature at Brazil's Rio 500.
De Minaur has won 30 of his past 31 matches against players ranked outside the top-30, having also surpassed Sinner's record for most ATP 500 wins (32) since 2023.
After equalling his career-high of No.6 last week, the 25-year-old has dropped to No.8 in the live rankings.
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