Novak Djokovic Hails Jiri Mensik's Potential After Defeat

Novak Djokovic praises Jiri Mensik's impressive game after losing to the Czech teenager in the Miami Open final.

Novak Djokovic's bid for a historic 100th ATP title came up short, as he fell to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final. Despite the disappointment, Djokovic took solace in the fact that his protege Mensik was the one who denied him the milestone victory.

Djokovic, 37, had been aiming to join Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only men in the professional era with 100 or more titles. However, Mensik had other plans, securing his maiden title with a 7-6(4) 7-6(4) victory in humid conditions on Sunday. The match was delayed for several hours due to rain.

Despite his own disappointment, Djokovic expressed happiness for Mensik, who at just 19 years old, is beginning to fulfill his potential. Djokovic's admiration for his young protege made the defeat slightly more palatable.

Novak Djokovic expressed his admiration for Jiri Mensik, the player who defeated him in a recent match. Djokovic revealed that he has been familiar with Mensik's talent since the Czech player was 15 or 16 years old. “I'm 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 told reporters.

Djokovic has had the opportunity to witness Mensik's development firsthand, having invited him to train together and even hosting him at his club in Belgrade in 2022. “I've 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 (in 2022) and to see his development and evolution is really great, amazing.” Djokovic predicted that Mensik would become one of the world's top players, even back then.

Djokovic praised Mensik's all-around game, highlighting his impressive serve, precise and powerful, which earns him many free points. “His serve is incredible, powerful, precise and he wins a lot of free points with the first serve,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said. Djokovic also commended Mensik's backhand, a hallmark of the Czech school, as well as his improved forehand and impressive movement despite his tall and big build.

Novak, as always so humble and classy in defeat and full of praise for his opponent, Mensik.

Novak @DjokerNole, I pray to God you will soon get that next title. You deserve it, man 🥹🙏pic.twitter.com/OdnqbS57Q7

— Rishi Kumar 🇮🇳 (@rishi45kumar) March 31, 2025

Mensik's recent victory in Miami, where he became the second-youngest champion since Carlos Alcaraz in 2022, was a testament to his rapid growth. Djokovic believes that Mensik will only continue to improve, saying, “He still can improve, of course. So I'm sure we'll be seeing him around.” With his complete game and ongoing development, Mensik is poised to become a dominant force in the tennis world.