Czech teenager Jakub Mensik achieved an astonishing feat by defeating his childhood idol, Novak Djokovic, to secure victory at the Miami Open. This triumph is particularly notable considering that Mensik, just 19 years old, faced the daunting possibility of withdrawing from the tournament due to a knee injury shortly before his first-round match.
On March 20, Mensik went to the referee’s office with the intent to announce his withdrawal before facing Roberto Bautista Agut. Unfortunately, the official was temporarily out to lunch, creating a pivotal moment for the young player. Afterward, Mensik consulted with a physiotherapist to formalize his withdrawal; however, he was encouraged to reconsider his decision.
Reflecting on his initial condition, Mensik remarked, “I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t run.” Despite the pain, he started taking painkillers in an effort to manage his discomfort, although their effects were not significant initially. The situation escalated to the point where he was prepared to withdraw once again, stating, “I was visiting the referee’s office to say ‘guys, I’m pulling out’, but he was having lunch.”
Fortunately for Mensik, the physiotherapist assessed that the injury was not severe. After treatment, he began to feel a degree of relief. “After a few minutes I started to feel a little relief,” he shared. Encouraged by this, Mensik opted to give it a try, even as the match time approached—“It’s like 30 minutes before the match. I can walk. I can run. Let’s see.”
In a remarkable turn of events, Mensik not only competed but managed to win his first-round match. Following that victory, he enjoyed a day off, allowing his knee to recover further. “Day by day the knee was getting better and with that also my game,” he explained. As the tournament progressed, Mensik showcased impressive form, dropping only two sets on his journey to the final. His path included victories over established players like Britain’s number one, Jack Draper, and fourth seed, Taylor Fritz.
The final match against Djokovic concluded with a hard-fought score of 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4), marking Mensik’s first ATP Tour title in a humid and challenging atmosphere in Florida. Djokovic, a celebrated 24-time Grand Slam champion, was vying to become only the third player in the Open era to secure 100 singles titles. Yet, despite his illustrious career, he was unable to claim victory against Mensik, who was born nearly ten months after Djokovic won his inaugural title back in 2006.
Impressively, Mensik became the ninth-youngest Masters 1000 champion and the second-youngest victor in Miami history, following in the footsteps of fellow rising star Carlos Alcaraz. His powerful serve and formidable backhand have propelled him into the ranks of the world’s top 50.
Notably, after the 2022 Australian Open, Djokovic had invited Mensik to practice with him when he was still competing at the junior level. During his winner’s speech, Mensik expressed immense gratitude, stating that Djokovic was “the reason I am here.” He described Djokovic’s accomplishments as “crazy and unbelievable” and mused about his own future aspirations: “Imagine me in 20 years from now, when I will be 39, playing the finals? I hope so, but it’s crazy to think about it like this.”
Following the conclusion of the match, Djokovic warmly congratulated Mensik, acknowledging the young player’s superior performance. “It hurts me to admit it but you were better. I wish you the best of luck. Maybe you’ll let me win one of the next times we play,” he graciously remarked.
Mensik’s ascent in the tennis world has been remarkable. He broke into the top 100 in February 2024 after a strong performance at the Qatar Open. His run in Miami was nothing short of spectacular, defeating three top-10 players, including Djokovic, Draper, and Fritz, to seize the most significant title of his burgeoning career. Despite the pressure of the final, Mensik proved he could handle the high-stakes atmosphere exceptionally well.
The final also presented challenges, including a five-and-a-half hour rain delay prior to the match. While such interruptions can disrupt players’ focus, Mensik adapted more swiftly than Djokovic. He managed to break Djokovic at the first opportunity, establishing an early lead of 4-1. Djokovic struggled initially, experiencing multiple falls and even needing to use eye drops to alleviate swelling under his right eye, while also using sawdust to maintain grip on his racquet amidst the humid conditions.
As the match progressed, Djokovic found his rhythm, with his serve improving as the first set unfolded. Despite this, he faced tough challenges from Mensik, who kept the pressure on throughout. A tie-break seemed inevitable, and although Djokovic saved two set points, Mensik ultimately claimed the first set.
The dynamics of the match began to shift as both players continued to display their skills. Mensik managed to maintain intensity, not conceding a break point during the second set. Meanwhile, the heat and humidity began to affect Djokovic, who showed visible signs of fatigue, repeatedly wiping his face with a towel between points. Despite maintaining momentum in shorter rallies, it was Mensik who found success in longer exchanges, and he set up three match points towards the end of the final game.
On the first match point, Djokovic delivered a remarkable return that landed right on the baseline, prolonging the match. However, Mensik kept his composure and eventually sealed his victory with a well-placed serve, concluding the match and assuring his rise to a career-high ranking of 24th in the world.
While Djokovic still seeks his first ATP title since 2023, his recent improvements under the guidance of coach Andy Murray demonstrate his ongoing potential in the sport. Mensik’s victory serves as an inspiring chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of men’s tennis, highlighting the emergence of new talent and the excitement that lies ahead for the sport.
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