Jakub Mensik, a 19-year-old Czech player, announced himself to the tennis world with a stunning straight-sets win over Novak Djokovic in the final of the Miami Open
Jakub Mensik announced himself to the world by beating Novak Djokovic in the final of the Miami Open on Sunday. But the teenage star has been well-known to the tennis world for some time, having been tipped for the top for many years – not least by Djokovic himself.
“I met him when he was 15 or 16 years old and invited him to train together in Belgrade. Seeing his evolution is fantastic,» the 24-time Grand Slam champion said.
“Three or four years ago, I already predicted that he would become one of the best in the world, so I am very happy that he is harnessing his potential.”
Djokovic knows all about him, having suffered a 7-6, 7-6 loss in the Florida humidity. But who is Jakub Mensik? Allow Mirror Sport to explain his background.
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‘A very complete game’
Mensik is only 19 years old and the win over Djokovic in Miami was his first Masters 1000 title. The Czech player is 6ft 4in, right-handed and has a huge serve, which is undoubtedly his most obvious weapon, having given him 14 aces in the final.
“He has a very complete game,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference. “Obviously, his serve is incredible, as powerful as it is precise, which gives him free points. He is a strong guy who moves very well, his backhand is impressive, and he has significantly improved his forehand.
“I believe he still has room for improvement in everything, which is great. I also love his fighting spirit and how consistent he is with his serve, putting pressure on the opponent.” Mensik rates his backhand down the line as his best shot and favours the hard courts, with the Australian Open his favourite Major so far.
Inspired by Djokovic
Mensik defeated his idol inside the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. Like many of the younger players, he has grown up watching and admiring 37-year-old Djokovic. “Novak, everyone knows you’re the one… the reason I’m here,” he said on court.
“I watched you growing up. I started to play tennis because of you. There is not a harder task for a tennis player than to beat you in the final of a tournament. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done in this sport and for everyone. You’re an incredible person. The greatest of all time.”
The two players shared a heartfelt hug after the winning moment and Djokovic later admitted: «It’s never pleasant to lose, but I have to say that Jakub is one of the few players against whom I am most joyful to fall in a final, to be honest.”
Sharp rise
Mensik has become the second youngest player to win the Miami Open, after a certain Carlos Alcaraz, who did so at the age of 18. The Spaniard is now 21 and, with four Grand Slam titles to his name, is undoubtedly the leader of the new generation of stars. Mensik, who started playing the sport at the age of five in his home town of Prostejov, is among the group following in his footsteps.
The Czech teenager only turned professional in 2022 and broke into the top 100 in February 2024 by reaching the Qatar Open final. Nevertheless, he has already earned prize money totalling $3,022,836 (£2,336,093), thanks in large part to a health pay day of $1,124,380 (£868,937) for winning in Miami.
He is currently the world No.54, but looks certain to break into the top 20 in the coming months, after seeing off top-10 players in the form of Jack Draper, Taylor Fritz and Djokovic in Florida.
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