Jakub Mensik earned a career-highlighting moment when he won his first-ever ATP Tour title with a shocking win over six-time Miami Open titlist Novak Djokovic. The 19-year-old Czech outlasted the Serbian great 7-6(4), 7-6(4), landing the biggest win of his up-and-coming career. With the victory, Mensik became the second-youngest Miami Open champion in history, just a year after Carlos Alcaraz won at age 18 in 2022.
Novak Djokovic Left Stunned After Jakub Mensik’s Victory
Jakub’s victory in Miami Open stopped Novak Djokovic from reaching the milestone of 100 tennis titles in his grand career.
“This is Jakub’s moment — moment of his team, moment of his family. Congratulations, unbelievable tournament,” Djokovic said “It hurts me to admit it, but you were better! In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods [with] unbelievable serving and just a phenomenal effort mentally as well to stay tough in a difficult moment.”
The Rise Of Jakub Mensik
The much-expected final was pushed back for almost six hours by rain, which provided Mensik with sufficient time to acclimatize himself to the massive challenge. Djokovic, in pursuit of his 100th ATP title, was the heavy favorite. But the Czech teenager gave no indication of jitters, playing a gutsy game on one of the sports’ grandest platforms. With this incredible win Mensik has now moved up to No. 24 in PIF ATP Rankings, overtaking Jiri Lehecka as the second-highest ranked Czech behind No. 21 Tomas Machac.