“It feels incredible. For me, it was a dream to play against him in Shanghai. For now, it’s a bit different.” Jakub Mensik was excited to play once again in front of his idol, Novak Djokovic, on Sunday, in the Miami Open final. Little did the 19-year-old know that he would eventually outplay the GOAT and clinch his maiden ATP 1000 trophy. After Tomas Berdych in 2005, Mensik has become the first Czechian man to win a Masters 1000 title. While accomplishing his dream, the youngster didn’t forget to share his special message to Djokovic – the man he’s grown up watching.
In an intense battle spanning over two hours, Mensik conquered the 24-time Slam king. The final score line read 7-6(4), 7-6(4). Moreover, Mensik, who became a tie-break king last week in Miami, winning all tie-break sets against his opponents, showed a similar performance.
The moment Djokovic hit a shot outside the baseline in the second set, at 5-3, Mensik laid flat on the ground in complete disbelief. Mensik bowed in front of the Serbian while giving him a tight hug after earning his victory.
During the presentation ceremony, Mensik let his emotions loose to pay his tribute to Djokovic. He had a special message for him while the Serbian stood by his side. The Czechian began, “I think everyone knows that you are the one because of (whom) I’m here, you know.”
Continuing further he added, “I watched you growing up, and when I was young, I started to play tennis because of you and right now, obviously I have a couple of opportunities to practice with you and of course playing in Shanghai, right now I mean there is no harder task for a tennis player than to beat you in the finals of the tournament.”
“So thank you so much for everything you have done in this sport and for everyone, and you are an incredible person. And yeah, the greatest of all time. Thank you so much,” said Mensik.
Last season, too, during the Shanghai Masters QF, Mensik shared praiseworthy words for his idol. Ahead of their first meeting, he revealed, “I mean, more than excited, like exciting is really, you know, a small word. But, yeah, obviously a dream come true. Because of him, I started to play tennis or, you know, when I was young and, yeah, starting to play tennis, he was already on the top. You know, so I was like, Wow, he’s really good, you know, he made a lot of Grand Slams.”
“I’m 19, and he’s still playing, you know. I have this chance to play against him, and of course when I started to play there was one wish to play against him, you know. So, I’m really happy that it came true and that I can play with him, and, yeah, we’ll see which level I am on Friday,” he added. Back then, Mensik lost the battle, but the result hardly mattered to him.
On the other hand, Djokovic was left impressed with the rising talent. Yes, he lost a big chance to clinch his 100th ATP title on Sunday, but the Serbian didn’t hold back in admiring Mensik. So, what did the GOAT say about his die-hard fan?
Novak Djokovic showers praise on 2025 Miami champion Jakub Mensik
Novak Djokovic was really hurt about missing out on his record 7th Miami trophy. But being a true sportsman, he confessed that Jakub Mensik deserved the crown. Trying to suppress his own disappointment, he said, “This is Jakub’s moment — moment of his team, moment of his family. Congratulations, unbelievable tournament,” reported ATP’s website on March 31.
“It hurts me to admit it, but you were better! In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods (with) unbelievable serving and just a phenomenal effort mentally as well to stay tough in a difficult moment.” With the latest win, Mensik has also leveled the h2h tally between him and Djokovic at 1-1.
Later in the post-match conference, dated March 30, Djokovic added to his praise of the teenager. “Never really happy to lose, but he’s one of the very few players that I would be happier to lose to, to be honest. I have seen him play when he was 15 or 16 and invited him, we had some training blocks together. He was training at my club in Belgrade, and, you know, to see his development and evolution is really great, amazing.”
It seems Novak Djokovic will have to wait more for his 100th ATP title. “Yeah, it’s unfortunate for me. Two tiebreaks. Just a very weird match, a weird day with a rain delay and all the things that is happening. Honestly, yeah, I didn’t feel my greatest on the court, but it is what it is. Nothing to take away from his victory.”
Following the championship victory, Mensik will also receive a boost in ATP rankings. When the list gets updated on Monday, he will break into the top 25. What are your thoughts on the youngster’s meteoric rise this season? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Despite Winning Miami Open, 19YO Jakub Mensik Bows to ‘GOAT’ Novak Djokovic in a Heartfelt Ode appeared first on EssentiallySports.
