Jakub Mensik, a 19-year-old Czech, stunned Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final, winning 7-6(4), 7-6(4) to claim his first ATP title. The 54th-ranked teenager denied Djokovic his 100th career title, overcoming the tennis legend in a dramatic match filled with intensity, resilience, and historic significance.
Nineteen-year-old Czech tennis sensation Jakub Mensik stunned Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final, securing a historic 7-6(4), 7-6(4) victory. The 54th-ranked Mensik, playing in only his second ATP final, denied Djokovic his milestone 100th title with a powerful display, including 14 aces.
Djokovic, at 37, was vying to join an elite group of players with 100 or more Open Era titles. However, he struggled with fatigue and an apparent eye issue during the rain-delayed match. Despite his experience, he faltered in key moments, slipping early in the match and later collapsing from exhaustion during the second-set tiebreak.
Mensik, once inspired by Djokovic to pursue tennis, kept his composure in the high-stakes showdown. His aggressive play and sharp returns neutralized Djokovic’s finesse, helping him clinch the first set. The second set saw an intense exchange, with Djokovic fending off break points, but Mensik’s energy and resilience ultimately secured him the championship.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Mensik credited his physio for helping him overcome knee pain that nearly forced him to withdraw from the tournament’s start. Djokovic, gracious in defeat, admitted his young opponent was the better player on the day.
Mensik’s victory, which included an earlier upset over third seed Taylor Fritz, marked a remarkable breakthrough in his career. The win at the Miami Open has now firmly established him as one of tennis’ rising stars.
