After a lengthy six-hour rain delay, rising star Jakub Mensik triumphed over Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final, securing victory in a nail-biting match that concluded with two tiebreaker sets, 7-6(4), 7-6(4). This victory heralded Mensik’s emergence as a future tennis star as he lifted the Masters 1000 trophy.
The 19-year-old Czech player claimed his first title at this level, becoming the second youngest male champion in Miami Open history, following Carlos Alcaraz, who won at 18 in 2022. Djokovic, seeking to win his 100th tour-level title, faced disappointment as he fell short.
Mensik expressed his disbelief and elation during his on-court interview, stating, “It feels incredible. It was probably the biggest day of my life.” He acknowledged the nerves he managed to keep at bay before the match. Despite Djokovic finding his rhythm early in the second set, Mensik maintained a strong performance, with an impressive serve that allowed him to fend off a lone break point. He won 77 per cent of his first-service points, showcasing his skill under pressure.
Throughout the match, Djokovic appeared to struggle with an ongoing eye issue, requiring eye drops during changeovers. Ultimately, Mensik sealed his victory with a powerful unreturned serve, collapsing to the court in celebration while his team erupted with joy.
Interestingly, just a short time ago in the tournament, Mensik had contemplated withdrawing from the event. “One hour before my first match, I was signing the paper to withdraw. I was lucky the referee was at lunch, and then the physio did a miracle,” he shared. The age gap of 18 years between Mensik and 37-year-old Djokovic marked the largest in a tour final since 1976. The matchup displayed Mensik’s maturity as he effectively held his composure against the seasoned six-time champion.
In a gracious gesture, Djokovic acknowledged Mensik’s superior performance, stating, “This is Jakub’s moment… Congratulations, unbelievable tournament. It hurts me to admit it, but you were better.”
Originally scheduled for 3pm local time, the match was delayed due to heavy rain in Florida, ultimately commencing at 8:45pm, with 10,000 fans eagerly awaiting the action.
Mensik’s impressive 2025 season continues to gain momentum, having bested several top-10 players, including victories over Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper in Miami. Despite experiencing a loss to Alex de Minaur in Rotterdam, he previously defeated Casper Ruud during the Australian Open. Following his Miami win, Mensik is set to reach a career-high ranking of No.24 in the ATP standings, a remarkable rise from his position at No.390 just two years ago.