Novak Djokovic’s quest for tennis history was put on hold last night as he prepared to face Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final.
At 37 years old, Djokovic stands just one win away from claiming his 100th career title, a record-extending 41st ATP Masters crown, and a seventh Miami Open trophy.
Opposing him is 19-year-old rising star Mensik, who reached his first Masters 1000 final after defeating third seed Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals.
Djokovic has been chasing a place in the exclusive ‘century club’—alongside Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103 titles)—since winning his 99th singles title at the Paris Olympics last July.
The Miami Open final was set to begin at 8 PM UK time (3 PM local), but rain and lightning in Miami forced a suspension of play.
Novak Djokovic after losing to Mensik in Miami final:
“I don’t wanna talk too much. This is Jakub’s moment… & a moment for his team and family. Congratulations. Unbelievable tournament. First of many. It hurts me to admit it but you were better. In the clutch moments you delivered the goods. Unbelievable serving. Just a Phenomenal effort mentally to stay in the difficult moments. For a young player like yourself this is a great feature. Something you’ll use many times in the years to follow. I wish you the best of luck. Maybe you’ll let me win one of the next times we play”
