Jakub Mensik from the Czech Republic has joined an elite group, becoming only the sixth teenager since 2010 to reach the Miami Open quarterfinals – a list that includes future Top 10 mainstays. The question now is whether the highest-ranked ATP teenager can follow suit. Adding to the anticipation, Rick Macci, Serena Williams’ former coach, has been impressed, tweeting that Mensik is “the Real Deal” with “Top twenty” potential. Standing in Mensik’s way is the young Frenchman Arthur Fils, who has earned the moniker ‘Giant-Slayer’ and recently set his own record as only the third Frenchman to reach the quarterfinals of both ‘Sunshine Double’ events in the same year. Will Fils continue his impressive run and book a spot in the semifinals?
Jakub Mensik vs Arthur Fils: Preview
This is Jakub Mensik’s second ATP Masters 1000 QF and also his third this season. Previously on the main tour, he has reached the QFs at the Brisbane International and the ASB Classic. In Miami, Mensik has already defeated the 2025 Indian Wells champion, Jack Draper, in straight sets in the R64, and after that, he secured a win over Russia’s Roman Safiullin in the next round. But he didn’t have to play his R16 match, as his compatriot Tomas Machac gave him a walkover in that match. So, the Czech is now well-rested and will be the fresher player going to the QF.
However, his opponent in the QF, Arthur Fils, was seen struggling a bit with a back issue in his match against the top seed, Alexander Zverev. Although he managed to overcome all these hurdles and beat the German by 3-6,6-3,6-4, Fils was seen complaining a bit about his back issues after this match. He said, “I was feeling not great in the rallies. I’ve had a little problem in my back since I was young, so sometimes it hurts me a little bit.”
Before this, Fils has also reached the QFs twice (Hong Kong Open and Indian Wells) in this season. However, with his incredible win over Zverev, he has now become the second Frenchman to defeat the top-seeded at the Miami Open since the tournament’s inception in 1985.
Mensik vs Fils: Head-to-Head
Both these youngsters have met each other only once in their careers as of now. Currently, Arthur Fils leads the H2H record against Jakub Mensik by 1-0.
2024 Next Gen ATP Finals Round Robin: Fils 4-2,4-3(4),4-2.
Prediction: Mensik will win this match in three sets
Both players have been in red-hot form throughout this tournament. While Arthur Fils holds a previous victory over Jakub Mensik, I believe the Czech player has the tools to turn the tables in this encounter. A significant factor in this conclusion is Fils’ recent fitness concerns, particularly his back, which have been evident in his matches. Mensik, on the other hand, comes into this quarterfinal clash with a notable advantage in terms of rest.
If we take a look at the numbers, Mensik (54) has a win-loss record of 10-6 this season, whereas it’s 10-5 for Fils at the moment. So, there’s not much to separate the two, looking at these. I’m expecting this match to go deep, but I’ve serious doubts about how the Frenchman would manage to hold on to this match till the last minute.
If we take a look at their playing styles, Fils is an aggressive player who is known for his powerful serve and forehand, playing a forward-thinking style that aims to finish the points quickly. He’s also known for his explosiveness and energetic style of play. After seeing his struggle with the back issue in the previous match, can he bring that same energy level in his next match?
On the other hand, Jakub Mensik is also known for his aggressive style of play. His game consists of big serves and big returns. Mensik has already hit 191 aces this season! Along with his commanding serves, Fils also needs to watch out for Mensik’s precise drop shots. He also has a decent backhand down the line and can mix his shots pretty well.
So, considering all these aspects in their game and Fils’ fitness concerns, I think the Czech tennis player is most likely to proceed to the semis in Miami.
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