Novak Djokovic Dismisses Eye Issue in ‘Weird’ Miami Open Final Defeat
Novak Djokovic refused to blame an apparent eye issue for his Miami Open final loss to unseeded Czech teenager Jakub Mensik, choosing instead to credit his opponent’s impressive performance.
Djokovic’s right eye appeared swollen during a pre-match practice session, and he later described the day as “weird.” However, he remained tight-lipped about the issue, insisting he did not want to detract from Mensik’s victory.
“I didn’t feel my greatest on the court,” Djokovic admitted. “But I really prefer not to talk about it.”
Mensik, 19, secured his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title with a 7-6, 7-6 triumph, becoming the second-youngest Miami Open champion in history, behind Carlos Alcaraz, who won the event at 18 in 2022.
Djokovic’s Title Drought Continues
The defeat extends Djokovic’s title drought on the ATP Tour, with his last victory coming at the 2023 ATP Finals. His only success in 2024 has been at the Olympics.
Despite the visible swelling in his eye, Djokovic was gracious in defeat, praising Mensik’s performance.
“In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods—unbelievable serving and a phenomenal mental effort to stay tough,” he told the young Czech.
Mensik, who had previously lost to Djokovic in Shanghai, expressed his admiration for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
“There’s no tougher challenge than facing him in a final,” Mensik said. “You were my idol growing up. I started playing tennis because of you. But today, it was my time.”
A Breakthrough Moment for Mensik
Mensik’s path to the title included wins over world No. 4 Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals and Indian Wells champion Jack Draper earlier in the tournament.
In the final, he broke Djokovic in the opening game after a six-hour rain delay. Djokovic later leveled the set but struggled on return, allowing Mensik to dominate the tiebreak.
The Serbian found more rhythm in the second set but again failed to make inroads against Mensik’s serve, ultimately losing in another tiebreak.
Djokovic will now shift his focus to the clay-court season, while Mensik celebrates a milestone victory that could mark the start of a promising career at the top of the sport.
