Jakub Mensik recently achieved an extraordinary upset by defeating Taylor Fritz at the prestigious Miami Open, setting the stage for a high-stakes final against the legendary Novak Djokovic. In an enthralling match that showcased Mensik’s prowess, he fired a staggering 25 aces, leading to a nail-biting score of 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4) against the third seed Fritz. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Czech teenager, who will be competing in his first ATP Masters 1000 final, further elevating his career as he prepares to face one of the greatest players in tennis history.
What adds an intriguing twist to Mensik’s victory is his light-hearted belief that a fortuitous encounter with football superstar Lionel Messi may have contributed to his success on the court. The Argentinian icon, who currently plays for the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami, was present at Hard Rock Stadium during the match. After Messi met with Djokovic following the Serbian’s win over Grigor Dimitrov, Mensik had the cherished opportunity to meet the football legend himself. Reflecting on the moment, the 19-year-old joked, “I was shaking his hand and chilling with him a little bit, so I didn’t wash my hand before I stepped on the court and probably that was the key for today.”
The match itself was a grueling battle, lasting nearly two and a half hours, during which Mensik had to fend off a determined Fritz, who, playing on home turf, managed to force a tie-break in the final set. Notably, Mensik found himself facing potential defeat at critical points, with Fritz leading 4-5 and 5-6 in the deciding set. Mensik acknowledged the challenge of returning serve against Fritz, stating, “The return was tough today. We were serving really great today so he didn’t give me an opportunity to break him. It was just the tie-breaks for me that were the decider. I came to show my best performance in the tie-breaks.”
Following this remarkable victory, Mensik has ascended to No. 30 in the ATP Live Rankings, an impressive feat considering he has already bested esteemed players, including the Indian Wells champion Jack Draper in the earlier rounds. His upcoming matchup against Djokovic will mark their second encounter, having previously played in the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters last year, where Mensik put up a formidable challenge by winning the first set before ultimately succumbing to Djokovic’s experience with a score of 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4.
As for Djokovic, he stands on the brink of an incredible milestone, poised to capture his 100th ATP Tour title and aiming for a record seventh Miami Open title, which would place him alongside tennis legend Andre Agassi, who also holds six titles in this tournament. The 37-year-old Serbian, who recently defeated Dimitrov in a quick 69-minute showdown, expressed gratitude for having Messi in the stands during his match. “It’s a great honor to have King Leo in the stands,” Djokovic remarked after his victory. He candidly admitted feeling a bit nervous playing in front of the soccer icon, expressing admiration for Messi’s storied career and the inspiration he has been for many around the world.
As the anticipation builds for the final showdown between Mensik and Djokovic, spectators are eager not only to witness a clash of emerging talent and established greatness but also to see if the teenage sensation can continue his dream run at the Miami Open. With the eyes of tennis enthusiasts everywhere focused on this momentous occasion, Mensik’s journey is a testament to the excitement and unpredictability that sports can bring. Fans can also look forward to watching future tournaments, including the 2025 French Open, available for streaming live on TNT Sports and discovery+.