Jakub Mensik Declares Novak Djokovic the GOAT After Miami Open Victory
Jakub Mensik has hailed Novak Djokovic as the greatest tennis player of all time after defeating his idol in the Miami Open final. The 19-year-old Czech rising star stunned the 24-time Grand Slam champion in straight sets to claim his first ATP 1000 title.
Djokovic, who has mentored Mensik for the past three years, first took notice of him in the 2022 Australian Open boys’ final. Since then, the two have trained together, but this was their first competitive match. After the win, Mensik expressed deep gratitude toward Djokovic, calling him his biggest inspiration.
Mensik’s Tribute to Djokovic: “The Greatest of All Time”
Addressing the crowd after his victory, Mensik turned to Djokovic and said:
“Novak, everyone knows you’re the reason I’m here. I watched you growing up, and I started playing tennis because of you. There is no tougher challenge in tennis than facing you in a final.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for this sport. You’re an incredible person—the greatest of all time.”
Djokovic’s Response: Proud but Disappointed
Despite the loss, Djokovic was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Mensik’s talent and growth.
“I’m never happy to lose, but he’s one of the few players I wouldn’t mind losing to,” Djokovic said. “I first saw him play at 15 or 16. We trained together, he spent time at my academy in Belgrade, and I knew even then that he had what it takes to be one of the best.”
Djokovic praised Mensik’s all-around game, particularly his powerful serve and improved forehand, predicting a bright future for the young star.
Why Djokovic Chose to Mentor Mensik
Reflecting on his decision to support Mensik, Djokovic said:
“I saw his fighting spirit in the Australian Open boys’ final. He had a big game, a great attitude, and seemed like a really nice guy. So I reached out to his team, and we started training together. I’m proud of the progress he’s made.”
Mensik’s victory marks a major milestone in his career, and with Djokovic’s endorsement, the tennis world will be watching to see how far he can go.
