Novak Djokovic’s hopes of securing his 100th career title were dashed on Sunday as unseeded Czech teenager Jakub Mensik stunned the 24-time Grand Slam champion in the Miami Open final.
The 18-year-old Mensik, playing in his first ATP final, secured a hard-fought victory over Djokovic in a match that was delayed for nearly six hours due to rain.
Djokovic, who appeared to have an eye infection, struggled at times but refused to use it as an excuse for his defeat.
“It’s unfortunate for me. Two tiebreaks, just very weird match, weird day with rain delay and all the things that were happening. Honestly, I didn’t feel my greatest on the court, but it is what it is. Nothing to take away from his victory,” Djokovic said after the match.
The Serbian star, who was seeking a record-extending milestone, was seen applying eye drops during the first set.
However, he declined to elaborate on the issue when asked, stating he did not want to undermine Mensik’s achievement.
“I really prefer not to talk about—there is 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,” he said.
Mensik, who trained with Djokovic in Belgrade as a teenager, showed remarkable composure under pressure.
His powerful serve and strong baseline game proved decisive in clinching his maiden ATP title.
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Djokovic acknowledged Mensik’s potential, stating he had long recognized the Czech’s talent.
“I have seen him play when he was 15 or 16 and invited him to train with me. To see his development and evolution is really great, amazing,” Djokovic said.
The Serbian veteran praised Mensik’s all-round game, highlighting his backhand and movement as key strengths.
“He’s got the complete game. Obviously his serve is incredible, powerful, precise, wins a lot of free points with the first serve,” Djokovic said. “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.”
Despite the loss, Djokovic reflected on his Miami Open campaign positively, noting the strong support he received from fans throughout the tournament.
“Overall obviously now bitter taste because of the loss, but Miami really brought me a lot of joy and really good sensations on and off the court,” he said.
Djokovic will now shift his focus to the upcoming clay-court season as Mensik’s breakthrough victory marks the arrival of another young talent in men’s tennis.