Novak Djokovic`s quest for his 100th ATP title was halted by a remarkable performance from Czech teenager Jakub Mensik, who secured a straight-sets victory in the Miami Open final.
Djokovic aimed to join tennis legends Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in the exclusive club of players with 100 or more titles. However, the 37-year-old faced a surprising defeat against Mensik, losing 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4) in challenging humid conditions after rain delays on Sunday.
The 19-year-old Mensik celebrated his first ATP Masters 1000 title and became the second-youngest champion in Miami, following Carlos Alcaraz`s victory at age 18 in 2022.
This loss means Djokovic remains without a tournament win since the ATP Finals in 2023, with his only victory in 2024 being at the Olympics.
“Beating him in a final is the hardest challenge in tennis,” Mensik acknowledged, recalling his previous defeat to Djokovic in Shanghai.
“He was my idol growing up. I started playing tennis because of him,” Mensik shared. “It’s incredible to win, and I focused on playing my best, just like in previous matches.”
Djokovic admitted Mensik, 18 years his junior, played better and congratulated him on his “unbelievable tournament.”
“This is Jakub`s moment, for him and his team. Congratulations on an unbelievable tournament,” Djokovic stated.
“It`s tough to admit, but you were the better player today! You delivered in crucial moments. Your serve was phenomenal, and your mental toughness was impressive.”
Djokovic described it as “a strange day” and mentioned an eye issue, though he didn`t elaborate. He conceded, “I didn`t feel my best on the court.”
“Losing is never easy, but if I had to lose to someone, I’m glad it’s to him,” Djokovic told reporters. “I`ve watched him since he was 15 or 16 and invited him to train with me. He trained at my club in Belgrade in 2022, and his progress has been amazing.”
“I recognized his potential early on, that he could become a top player. I`m thrilled to see him fulfilling that potential; he has a complete game.”
“His serve is incredible – powerful, precise, earning him many free points,” Djokovic added. “His backhand is strong, typical of the Czech tennis school. And his forehand and movement have improved significantly for someone so tall. He moves very well.”
“He can still improve, of course, and I`m confident we`ll see him at the top for years to come.”
“For me, it`s disappointing. Two tie-breaks, a strange match, a strange day with rain delays and other factors. I wasn`t at my best, but that`s tennis. His victory is well-deserved.”
Mensik Almost Withdrew from Miami Open
Mensik revealed he almost withdrew from the Miami Open due to severe knee pain.
Before his first match against Roberto Bautista Agut, Mensik intended to withdraw, but the tournament referee was at lunch. He then consulted with the physio instead.
“It was a major inflammation. I could barely walk or run,” Mensik explained. “I started treatment and painkillers, but nothing helped. On match day, it was still bad. I tried the treadmill and couldn`t move. I thought, `That`s it, I`m out.`”
“I was on my way to the referee`s office to withdraw, but he was at lunch. So I went to the physio first, explained my knee pain, and said, `Just prepare the paperwork, I`m leaving.`”
The physio assessed his knee, assuring him it wasn`t a serious injury.
“I thought, `Okay, let`s try one more time.` I tried the treadmill again, still painful. But I pushed through it, suffering in those moments,” Mensik continued.
“After some time, I felt slight relief. Different painkillers helped a bit. About 30 minutes before the match, I could walk and run, so I decided to play.”
“Winning the first round gave me a day off, which significantly helped my knee. Day by day, it improved, and so did my game.”
Mensik`s Miami Open victory will elevate him to a career-high ranking of No. 24, just two years after being ranked 390th.
He is also the first Czech player to win an ATP Masters 1000 title since Tomas Berdych in 2005.
