Mensik Overcomes Knee Injury to Win First Career Title at Miami Open
Jakub Mensik has revealed that he nearly pulled out of the Miami Open due to a knee injury, but went on to win his first career title with a thrilling victory over Novak Djokovic.
Jakub Mensik, the 19-year-old Czech teenager, secured his first career title with a thrilling 7-6(4) 7-6(4) victory over Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final on Sunday. However, Mensik revealed that he had nearly withdrawn from the tournament due to a knee injury. Shortly before his opening match against Roberto Bautista Agut, Mensik was on his way to inform the referee of his withdrawal.
Mensik described the extent of his knee injury, stating, ”It was just a big inflammation. I couldn't walk, I couldn't run.” Despite his efforts to treat the injury, Mensik found no relief. “I started to treat it, started to take painkillers. Nothing was helping. During matchday it was the same ... I tried to step on the treadmill. I couldn't move. I was like, 'Okay, well, that's it. I'm pulling out'.”
In a fortunate twist of events, Mensik's decision to visit the physio's room instead of the referee's office led to a change of heart. “I was visiting the referee's office to say 'Guys, I'm pulling out', but he was having lunch. So okay, let's visit the physio first. I was there and I said, 'Hey, my knee is hurting. Just fill the paper. I'm going',” Mensik recalled. Ultimately, Mensik decided to persevere and play through the pain, which proved to be a wise decision as he went on to claim the title.
After visiting the physio's room, Mensik received treatment on his knee and was relieved to learn that the issue was not serious. With renewed hope, Mensik decided to test his knee again. “I was like, 'okay, let's try one more time. I stepped on the treadmill and it was the same. But I went over the pain. I was suffering in those moments,” Mensik recalled.
Despite the initial discomfort, Mensik began to feel some relief after taking different painkillers. With the match just 30 minutes away, he decided to give it a go. “I took different painkillers, which helped a little bit. I was like, 'Okay, let's try it. It's like 30 minutes before the match. I can walk. I can run. Let's see',” Mensik said. His decision paid off, as he went on to win the first round and subsequently had a day off to rest his knee.
As the tournament progressed, Mensik's knee continued to improve, and so did his game. “Somehow I won the first round and basically then I had one day off, which of course, for my knee was much more better. Day by day the knee was getting better and with that also my game,” Mensik explained. His hard work and perseverance ultimately paid off, as he claimed the Miami Open title.
MASTERS 1000 CHAMPION!!! 🏆
— Jakub Mensik (@mensik_jakub_) March 31, 2025
Living the dream Miami! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2tdtFlSBtQ
With his first career title under his belt, Mensik is eager to achieve more success in the future. “I'm still 19, so I have all of my career in front of me,” he said, beaming with pride. Mensik is already looking ahead to his next challenge, stating, “It feels great to have this (trophy) next to me, but it's not just about the one title, one tournament... I'm hungry for more.”
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