MIAMI GARDENS, March 31 — Czech teenager Jakub Mensik delivered a stunning performance to defeat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4) in the Miami Open final at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, denying the Serbian star his 100th career title.
MIAMI GARDENS, March 31 — Czech teenager Jakub Mensik delivered a stunning performance to defeat Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4) in the Miami Open final at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, denying the Serbian star his 100th career title.
The 19-year-old, ranked 54th in the world, secured his first ATP Tour title with a commanding display of power and composure. The final, delayed by nearly six hours due to heavy rain, saw Djokovic battling an eye infection, which required him to use eye drops during a first-set changeover.
Mensik set the tone early, breaking Djokovic’s first service game to take a 2-0 lead. Although the 24-time Grand Slam champion broke back at 4-2, the Czech held firm, forcing a tiebreak. His powerful serve, including two aces, gave him a commanding 5-0 lead, and he sealed the set with a decisive overhead volley. It was the first set Djokovic had lost all tournament.
The second set was closely contested, with neither player securing a break. Once again, Mensik’s big serves and relentless power proved crucial in the tiebreak, and when Djokovic sent a return long, the teenager collapsed to the ground in celebration.
A Dream Come True for Mensik
“It feels incredible, obviously,” Mensik said in his on-court interview.
“This is probably the biggest day of my life, and I’m so glad I was able to perform at this level and keep my nerves in check.”
Mensik, who grew up idolizing Djokovic, expressed admiration for the tennis legend after lifting his maiden ATP trophy.
“There is no tougher challenge in tennis than beating you in a final,” he told Djokovic. “I’m sure this is just the first of many.”
Mensik also revealed that he had almost withdrawn from the tournament due to a knee injury but credited last-minute physiotherapy for keeping him in the competition.
Djokovic Acknowledges Mensik’s Talent
Following the match, Djokovic admitted he was not at his best but refused to make excuses.
“It’s unfortunate for me—two tiebreaks, a strange match, a weird day with the rain delay and everything. Honestly, I didn’t feel great on court, but that takes nothing away from his victory,” Djokovic said.
The Serb, who had previously trained with Mensik, praised the young Czech’s rapid rise.
“I saw him play at 15 or 16 years old and invited him to train at my club in Belgrade,” Djokovic said. “To see his development is amazing. I’m never happy to lose, but if there’s one player I don’t mind losing to, it’s him.”
At 37 years old, Djokovic played in a Masters 1000 final against a teenager, marking the biggest age gap in such an event and the widest in any ATP final since 1976. — AFP
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