Teenager Jakub Mensik Claims Maiden Masters 1000 Title

Novak Djokovic falls to Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final. Find out how the 19-year-old Czech player secured his maiden Masters 1000 title.

In a thrilling upset, 19-year-old Czech teenager Jakub Mensik defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 7-6(4) to win the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. This monumental victory marked Mensik's first title on the ATP Tour, with the 54th-ranked player denying Djokovic his 100th professional title.

The final was delayed by nearly six hours due to heavy rain, and when the players finally took to the court, it became apparent that Djokovic was struggling with an eye infection. Undeterred, Mensik started strongly, breaking Djokovic's first serve game to take a 2-0 lead. The tall, big-serving Czech dominated proceedings until Djokovic broke back at 4-2, with Mensik finding the net. The set remained on serve thereafter, but Mensik's powerful serve proved decisive in the tie-break.

Mensik's impressive serving, which included two aces, gave him a commanding 5-0 lead in the tie-break. Although Djokovic fought back, Mensik sealed the set with a clinical overhead volley. Notably, this was the first set that Djokovic had lost in the entire tournament, highlighting Mensik's remarkable performance.

Mensik Seals Historic Victory

The second set proved to be a closely contested affair, with neither player able to break the other's serve. As the set progressed to a tie-break, Mensik's powerful serving once again proved to be the decisive factor. When Djokovic sent a return long, handing Mensik the victory, the 19-year-old collapsed onto his back in triumph.

The match between 37-year-old Djokovic and Mensik marked the largest age gap in a Masters 1000 final and the biggest age gap in any tour-level match since 1976. Following his historic victory, Mensik struggled to put his emotions into words. “To be honest, I don't know what to say. It feels incredible, obviously,” Mensik said in his on-court interview. “It was probably the biggest day of my life, and I did super, which I'm really glad (about), to show the performance and keep the nerves outside of the court before the match.”

Mensik's elation was palpable as he reflected on his achievement. “I feel just super happy, and I think that the feelings will come later,” he said, still trying to process the magnitude of his victory.

MASTERS 1000 CHAMPION!!! 🏆
Living the dream Miami! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2tdtFlSBtQ

— Jakub Mensik (@mensik_jakub_) March 31, 2025

Mensik's Dream Come True

Jakub Mensik has long admired Novak Djokovic, and after defeating his idol in the Miami Open final, he expressed his reverence for the Serbian tennis legend. “There is no harder task for a tennis player than to beat you in the final of a tournament,” Mensik said, holding the trophy. He also revealed that growing up, he had hoped to emulate Djokovic's success. “I am pretty sure that this was just the first of many,” Mensik added, exuding confidence in his future prospects.

In a surprising revelation, Mensik disclosed that he had been on the verge of withdrawing from the tournament due to a knee injury before his first match. However, last-minute physiotherapy proved effective, allowing him to compete and ultimately claim the title. Mensik's victory was a testament to his resilience and determination.

Djokovic, on the other hand, was gracious in defeat, acknowledging that he had not been at his best during the match. “It's unfortunate for me. Two tiebreaks, just very weird match, weird day with rain delay and all the things that (were) 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,” he said, praising Mensik's achievement.

FIRST CAREER TITLE FOR JAKUB MENSIK! pic.twitter.com/ynsyTL7SuV

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) March 31, 2025

Djokovic Congratulates Mensik on His Victory

When asked about the eye problem that had visibly affected him during the match, Novak Djokovic chose not to elaborate, preferring to focus on congratulating his opponent instead. “I really prefer not to talk about - there are quite a few things, but I prefer not to... just congratulate him. That's it. I don't want to sound like I'm giving excuses here for my loss,” Djokovic said, displaying his characteristic sportsmanship.

Djokovic revealed that he had been aware of Jakub Mensik's talent for several years and had even invited him to train at his club in Belgrade. “I saw 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,” Djokovic said, expressing his admiration for Mensik's growth as a player.

Despite his disappointment at losing, Djokovic confessed that Mensik was one of the few players he wouldn't mind losing to. “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, acknowledging Mensik's impressive performance and his own role in the young player's development.