Novak Djokovic is still chasing that elusive 100th title. Ever since his golden moment at the Paris Olympics last July, the Serbian has been searching for his next big win. Only five players in the Open Era have cracked the century mark, with Roger Federer being the most recent. But since standing atop the Olympic podium, Djokovic has had an uncharacteristic dry spell. The 37-year-old tennis champion finally found himself in a title match in Miami, but the wait for number 100 continues after a gut-wrenching loss in the final. Even an American icon is commenting on his lost opportunity.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion ended his 2024 season with just the gold medal and struggled to get back on track in 2025. His best chance came at the Australian Open, his happy hunting ground. Djokovic looked poised to strike, reaching the semi-finals before a muscle tear forced him to withdraw mid-match. From there, it was a series of surprising early exits for the Serbian legend.
The Miami Open saw Djokovic make a stunning run. He bulldozed through the draw without dropping a set, becoming the oldest finalist in a Masters 1000 event. At 37, he stood on the opposite side of the net from one of the youngest players in the field, 19-year-old Jakub Mensik. Djokovic was the clear favorite, but in a shocking turn of events, the Czech teenager pulled off a 7-6, 7-6 stunner, denying the Serbian his century.
Even American doubles champion Patrick McEnroe weighed in on the moment. The former player and commentator took to X, writing, “Wow. Mensik unreal. He wins @MiamiOpen over @DjokerNole 7-6 7-6 Title 100 will have to wait.”
Wow.
Mensik unreal. He wins @MiamiOpen over @DjokerNole 7-6 7-6
Title 100 will have to wait
— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) March 31, 2025
McEnroe had previously boldly predicted that the Miami Open verdict would go on his favour and he would be crowned his hundredth title. The buzz around the match was intense, made even crazier by a nearly six-hour rain delay in Florida. When play finally began, Mensik wasted no time making his mark. He broke Djokovic at the first opportunity and stormed ahead 4-1. His first serve was on fire, while Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm. The Serbian even had to pause to apply eye drops for swelling under his right eye and used sawdust to manage his grip in the humid conditions.
The 37-year-old eventually settled in. His serve sharpened, and his signature backhand slice began to trouble Mensik. The teenager’s nerves showed as he handed back the break, and soon enough, a tie-break was looming. Djokovic, though, stumbled at the start of it. He saved two set points, but Mensik held firm and blasted his way to the opener. This match felt eerily similar to their clash in Shanghai last year, where Mensik took the first set in a breaker before fading. But this time, the Czech refused to back down. He kept up his intensity, and despite the Serbian’s best efforts, the Czech starlet sealed the match in straight sets.
Despite the disappointment, Djokovic showed nothing but class in defeat.
Novak Djokovic admits Jakub Mensik was “better” than him
Novak Djokovic’s known about Mensik’s potential for years and even played a role in his journey. Back in 2022, Djokovic saw Mensik lose a tough three-setter in the Australian Open boys’ final and was impressed. He reached out through his management team, setting up training sessions for Mensik at his club in Belgrade. It was a kind gesture to someone who considers Djokovic his “tennis inspiration”
“Congratulations to Mensik and his team. 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,” Djokovic said. “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 to see his development and evolution is really great, amazing.”
The 6-time Miami Open champion gave full credit to the Czech teenager’s performance. He said, “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.”
There is good news for Djokovic, though. After a shaky start to 2025, he is finding his form. His run in Miami has pushed him back up to No. 4 in the live ATP rankings. Up next? The Monte Carlo Masters that begin next week. Djokovic hasn’t won there since 2015, but he came close last year, reaching the semi-finals.
Will Monte Carlo finally be the place where Novak Djokovic joins the century club?
The post “Title 100 Will Have To Wait,” Novak Djokovic Receives Tough Reality Check From American ATP Stalwart After Miami Heartbreak appeared first on EssentiallySports.
