Jakub Mensik has described defeating Novak Djokovic to the Miami Masters title as the biggest day of his life, Afrosport reports.
The 19-year-old Czech defeated his vastly-experienced Serbian opponent, who is a six-time champion in Miami, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4) to become the second youngest winner in the tournament behind 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz back in 2022.
Mensik also denied Djokovic his 100th career title, delaying the 24-time Grand Slam champion from joining Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) on the exclusive list.
“To be honest I don’t know what to say. It feels incredible, obviously,” Mensik said.
“It was probably the biggest day of my life and I did super, which I’m really glad [about], 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.”
He added: “It was not the first time I’ve played against Novak.
“There is no harder task in tennis than to beat him in the finals. 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.”
GAME. SET. MENSIK.
Sensational @mensik_jakub_ defeats Djokovic 7-6(4) 7-6(4) to capture his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title!!!@MiamiOpen | #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/OQz7PdFG3p
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 31, 2025
Meanwhile, Djokovic, reacting after the game said: “This is Jakub’s moment — moment of his team, moment of his family. Congratulations, unbelievable tournament.
“It hurts me to admit it, but you were better! In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods [with] unbelievable serving and just a phenomenal effort mentally as well to stay tough in a difficult moment.”
Mensik will climb to a career-high number 24 in the ATP world Rankings which will see him surpass Jiri Lehecka to become the second-ranked Czech player behind world number 21 Tomas Machac.
