Novak Djokovic’s conqueror Jakub Mensik: “I wanted to withdraw but Miami Open referee was having lunch”

The 19-year-old Czech won his first-ever ATP tournament but very nearly pulled out before his opening match against Roberto Bautista Agut.

The “biggest day” of Jakub Mensik’s life may not have happened if it wasn’t for a lunch break.

The 19-year-old stunned Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s Miami Open men’s singles final, winning the first title of his career with a huge upset against the Olympic champion.

The Czech teenager revealed afterwards he almost pulled out of the tournament before his first match against Roberto Bautista Agut due to an inflammation in his right knee.

Mensik however discovered the tournament referee was out for lunch when he went to tell him of his withdrawal, prompting him to visit the physio instead.

“It was a big inflammation. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t run,” Mensik told Tennis Channel. “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 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 said: ‘Hey, my knee is hurting. Just fill the paper. I’m going.’”

The physio, however, viewed the injury differently and suggested it was not serious.

Mensik added: “I stepped on the treadmill and it was the same. But I went over the pain. I was suffering in those moments.

“After a few minutes I started to feel a little relief. I took different painkillers, which helped a little bit. It’s 30 minutes before the match. I can walk. I can run. Let’s see.

“Somehow I won the first round and then I had one day off. Day by day the knee was getting better and with that also my game.”

Mensik is the first men’s tennis player in 24 years to capture his maiden trophy at an ATP Masters 1000 event.

“There is no harder task in tennis than to beat him in the finals,” Mensik said. “But of course I felt really great and it’s my time, so I just tried to focus on the match like I did before in previous rounds.

“It was probably the biggest day of my life and I did super, which I’m really glad, to show the performance and keep the nerves outside of the court before the match. I feel just super happy and I think that the feelings will come later.”

In his on-court interview, Djokovic said: “It hurts me to admit it, but you were better! In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods, unbelievable serving and just a phenomenal effort mentally as well to stay tough in a difficult moment.”