Jakub Menšík Stuns Djokovic to Claim First ATP Title at Miami Open
Nineteen-year-old Jakub Mensik, from the Czech Republic, achieved a remarkable victory, defeating Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) at the Miami Open.
The win denied Djokovic his 100th career ATP title. Mensik, ranked 54th, secured his first ATP title in his second final, overcoming the odds.
Mensik’s Winning Performance
Mensik’s powerful serve, including 14 aces, proved decisive. After sealing the match with an unreturnable serve, he collapsed on the court, overwhelmed with emotion.
Djokovic, 37, the oldest player to reach a Masters 1000 final, aimed to join Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in the 100-title club but fell short.
“When I was young I started to play tennis because of you,” Mensik told Djokovic at the trophy ceremony. “There is no harder task for a tennis player than to beat you in the finals of a tournament.”
Djokovic’s Struggles and Mensik’s Resilience
Djokovic entered the match after rain delays, with swelling near his right eye, appearing off-balance. Mensik capitalized, breaking serve early. Djokovic slipped, applied eye drops, and leveled the set, but Mensik dominated the tiebreak, finishing with an overhead smash.
The second set was a close contest. Mensik’s speed countered Djokovic’s drop shots. Djokovic fended off break points, but Mensik’s power prevailed in the tiebreak. Djokovic, after a 21-shot rally, showed signs of exhaustion.
“It hurts me to admit it but you were better,” Djokovic said, acknowledging Mensik’s clutch performance. Mensik, who defeated Taylor Fritz en route to the final, described the win as “incredible.”
Overcoming Challenges
Mensik nearly withdrew due to knee pain before his first match, crediting his physio for his participation. “I came for treatment, needed a miracle,” Mensik said. “And because of him I stepped on the court and because of him I’m standing here.”
The rain-delayed final saw Djokovic with an eye infection. Mensik broke serve early, but Djokovic fought back. Mensik’s powerful serve and forehand dominated the tiebreak. Djokovic lost his footing twice and changed his shoes.
Mensik’s momentum from winning the first set continued. The second set remained tight, with no breaks. Mensik’s power secured another tiebreak victory.
“To be honest I don’t know what to say. It feels incredible, obviously,” Mensik said. “It was probably the biggest day of my life and I did super, which I’m really glad (about), to show the performance and keep the nerves outside of the court before the match. I feel just super happy and I think that the feelings will come later,” he said.
Mensik, who idolizes Djokovic, said he started playing tennis to emulate him. “There is no harder task for a tennis player than to beat you in the final of a tournament,” he said.
Djokovic praised Mensik’s performance. “This is Jakub’s moment, a moment of his team, a moment of his family. Congratulations, unbelievable tournament. It hurts me to admit it, but you were better. In a clutch moment, you delivered the goods,” he said.
The age gap between Djokovic and Mensik was the largest in a Masters 1000 final and the largest in a tour-level final since 1976.
