Czech teenager Jakub Mensik grew up idolizing Novak Djokovic, but on Sunday in Miami, after a grueling five-and-a-half-hour rain delay, the 19-year-old from Prostejov turned the tables—securing a milestone victory of his own while denying his hero one.
With a 7-6(4), 7-6(4) triumph in the Miami Open final, Mensik clinched his first ATP singles title and prevented Djokovic from joining the elite 100-title club, a feat achieved only by Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in tennis history.
Standing 6-foot-4, Mensik—who was born just as Djokovic was making his US Open debut—became the first Czech player to win a Masters 1000 title since Tomas Berdych in 2005. His victory also marked just the second time Djokovic has lost in Miami beyond the quarterfinals.
“To be honest, I don’t know what to say. It feels incredible,” Mensik said during his on-court interview. “This was probably the biggest day of my life. I’m really proud of my performance and how I kept my nerves in check before the match.”
“There is no tougher challenge in tennis than facing him in a final,” he added. “But I felt great, and I knew this was my moment. I just tried to stay focused, just like in my previous rounds.”
Jakub Mensik had kind words for Novak Djokovic after beating him in Miami final
“Novak, everyone knows you’re the one… the reason I’m here. 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.”
