In a thrilling upset, 19-year-old Jakub Mensik defeated six-time Miami champion Novak Djokovic to win his first ATP title at the Miami Open. The young Czech player’s victory marked a stunning turn of events, as Djokovic was seeking his 100th career title and a record seventh in the Miami Open.
Mensik’s win was a testament to his growing talent and composure under pressure. Despite Djokovic’s experience and skill, Mensik held his nerve, winning two tie-breaks 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) to claim the title. The teenager’s impressive serving, which included 14 aces, played a crucial role in his victory, as he got broken only once throughout the match.
Djokovic, who had been struggling with an eye issue during the match, was gracious in defeat, praising Mensik’s performance and acknowledging that the young player was the better competitor on the day. The Serbian star also reflected on Mensik’s potential, stating that he has the “complete game” and is destined for greatness.
Mensik’s triumph marked a milestone moment in his career, as he became the first Czech player to win an ATP Masters 1000 event since Tomas Berdych’s victory in Paris in 2005. The teenager’s win also propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 24 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
