Mensiks Downs Djokovic in Miami for Maiden Masters 1000 Title

Jakub Mensik is the 2025 Miami Open champion, overcoming an almost six-hour rain delay and a history-chasing Novak Djokovic to win his first ATP Tour title with a 7-6(4), 7-6(4) upset over the six-time champion.

At 19 years and 6 months, Mensik turned the second-youngest titlist in Miami historical past behind Carlos Alcaraz (2022), and the primary Czech to win a Masters 1000 occasion since Tomas Berdych in Paris 2005, denying Djokovic his one centesimal tour-level title.

A 20-year hole between titles for a rustic with a participant manufacturing line is difficult to imagine! Is Mensik one other Berdych or can he kick on?

Mensik, who’s delivered sledgehammer serving all week, surged to a 3-0 lead, breaking Djokovic early. The Serbian had issues with a right-eye subject, which we’ve seen earlier than.

The attention drops appeared to assist, however regardless of Djokovic breaking again and leveling the set, Mensik dominated the primary tiebreak, racing to five/0 and sealing it 7-4 with an overhead, roaring to his field.

The second set noticed Djokovic discover his rhythm, however Mensik’s serve was rock strong. He confronted only one break level, gained 77% of his first-serve factors, and went an ideal 7-0 in tiebreaks for the event.

Djokovic is usually the tie-break beast, boasting a profession 66% win fee, however his recreation didn’t have its typical solidity within the large moments. Mensik, nonetheless, stayed ice-cool, changing his second match level with an unreturnable serve.

Mensik climbs to a career-high No. 24 within the ATP Rankings, passing Jiri Lehecka because the No. 2 Czech behind Tomas Machac.

To be sincere I don’t know what to say. It feels unbelievable, clearly. It was in all probability the largest day of my life and I did tremendous, which I’m actually glad [about], to point out the efficiency and preserve the nerves outdoors of the courtroom earlier than the match. I really feel simply tremendous pleased and I believe that the sentiments will come later. It was not the primary time I’ve performed towards Novak. There isn’t any more durable activity in tennis than to beat him within the finals. However in fact I felt actually nice and it’s my time, so I simply tried to concentrate on the match like I did earlier than in earlier rounds.Mensik in his on courtroom interview.

Day Twelve 2025 Miami Open Closing Consequence

Winner
Loser
Scoreline

Jakub Mensik
Novak Djokovic (4)
7-6(4), 7-6(4)

Ideas on the Closing

I stated within the feedback on my earlier put up that I anticipated Djokovic to win, however wouldn’t be shocked to see Mensik on the winners podium, as I wasn’t positive if Novak was able to win a giant title.

Novak’s trajectory had regarded good throughout the week, however he wasn’t overly examined, and we noticed in Shanghai final 12 months that Mensik is greater than succesful.

That’s just about how issues went. In case you have a look at the stats, there’s nothing to separate them. Novak beats many gamers with these numbers, however the truth that he may solely create one break level within the match is a testomony to how properly Mensik served and performed the large moments.

The 6-hour rain delay wasn’t good for both participant, however I believe it’s extra unfavorable for Djokovic. Mensik is youthful and more energizing and has flat, heavy ball hanging that lends itself properly to nighttime circumstances in Miami.

Taking part in Novak at any time of day in a closing is not any simple activity although, but Mensik was all enterprise. There was no placing Djoker on a pedestal or developing quick within the clutch. Simply rock-solid play all through from a serve bot that may additionally transfer/rally, which is a rarity.

Ought to we get carried away along with his efficiency? I don’t suppose so. When Berdych gained Paris in 2005, he was massively hyped but by no means repeated that feat, dropping all three of the opposite Masters 1000 finals he performed over the subsequent 14 years.

Two weeks in the past, Mensik was dropping in straight units towards Damir Dzhumur within the Cap Cana challenger. I believe he has large upside to his recreation, however Masters 1000 titles out of the blue don’t assure success, and typically slower progress a la Jack Draper is extra of an indicator.