Novak Djokovic hails ‘complete’ Jakub Mensik after being denied 100th tour title in stunning Miami Open final defeat

Novak Djokovic was magnanimous in defeat with a shock straight-set defeat to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik. The veteran looked to be roaring his way back to top form after cruising his way to the final in South Florida without dropping a set, but Mensik denied Djokovic what would have been his 41st Masters 1000 title with victory in his debut final appearance at this level.

Novak Djokovic hailed “complete” Jakub Mensik after being on the receiving end of a stunning upset at the Miami Open final.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was defeated 7-6(4) 7-6(4) by the young Czech, who he feels has the potential to become “one of the top players in the world”.

This was Mensik’s third win over a top-10 ranked opponent in Florida, as he denied the Serbian what would have been a 100th tour-level title.

“Congratulations to Mensik and his team,” said Djokovic in quotes published by atptour.com.

“[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.

“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.”

Djokovic waxed lyrical about the 19-year-old and explained he saw the starlet’s potential after his defeat to Bruno Kuzuhara in the 2022 Australian Open boys’ singles final.

He continued: “I could see back then already — three, four years ago — that he’s going to be one of the top players in the world.

“I’m super glad that he’s using the potential that he has, because he’s got the complete game. Obviously, his serve is incredible, powerful, precise, wins a lot of free points with the first serve.

“Backhand, as well. Czech school, they always have a great backhand. But forehand, he’s improved a lot. And movement for a tall, big guy like that, he slides and moves well. He can still improve, of course. So, I’m sure we’ll be seeing him around.”

From a personal perspective, the loss for Djokovic was even more alarming considering he had not dropped a set on his way to the final.

“Overall, obviously, now [I have a] bitter taste because of the loss. But Miami, as I said on the court, really brought me a lot of joy and really good sensations on and off the court.

Tennis idol? Career goals? Get to know rising ATP star Mensik

Video credit: TNT Sports

“I was welcomed very nicely by people and supported. Incredible again tonight, great support from the stadium in the match.

“They were pushing me on and trying to give me strength for a comeback. Very grateful. Just enjoyed my experience overall. It was [an] amazing run.

“Unfortunately, [it] ended with a loss in the final, but I played some really good tennis up to today.”

Mensik reflects on ‘crazy, incredible’ victory

Meanwhile, Mensik described his victory over Djokovic as “crazy, incredible” after winning his first tour title.

His only previous appearance in a final came in Doha last year, where he was defeated by Karen Khachanov.

He said in his post-match press conference: “It means a lot. That’s for sure all I’m saying. The feelings will come a little bit later, but even now, I’m starting to realise that it was incredible, all the two weeks, actually.

 “My game was getting better and better. Winning tonight against Novak in the tie-breaks feels crazy, incredible.

“I was watching him growing up. Because of him, I started to play tennis. So it just feels incredible that I had the opportunity for a second time to play against him. And to beat him in this tournament in the finals, which was just a dream to win an ATP tournament, and even better that it’s a Masters 1000.

“Playing against Novak in the finals makes it more special.”