Novak Djokovic was defeated by Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final (Image: Getty)
This weekend’s tennis news mostly surrounded the exhilarating conclusion to the Miami Open. Many had expected Novak Djokovic to seal a record-extending seventh title at Hard Rock Stadium – yet the Serbian tennis legend suffered an upset at the hands of 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in the final.
Djokovic lost his first final appearance of the year 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4) to the Czech, which also denied him a 100th career title. In the women’s, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka avoided an upset a day prior by securing a 7-5 6-2 win over Jessica Pegula. And in case you missed any of tennis’ biggest stories over the past few days, Express Sport rounds up all of the latest news below.
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Djokovic shows true colours
Novak Djokovic gave a classy response when asked about his shock defeat. Despite hinting at fatigue, the 37-year-old refused to take the shine away from his young opponent, saying: “First and foremost, this is Jakub’s moment, a moment of his team, moment of his family, congratulations, unbelievable tournament, first of many.
“It hurts me to admit it, but you were better. In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods; unbelievable serving and just a phenomenal effort mentally as well to stay tough in a difficult moment.”
Djokovic had faced criticism for his languid demeanour after being knocked out of Indian Wells earlier this month, leading some to question if he still cared. But he revealed that he still feels the bitter sting of defeat, saying: “I’m never happy when I lose, but he’s one of those tennis players where I’m happier if I lose, to be honest with you. I followed him since he was 15 or 16 years old and I invited him, we had some good training sessions together. He trained at my club in Belgrade, it was great to watch him develop and evolve.”
Djokovic was gracious in defeat (Image: Getty)
Seven-foot heavyweight champion calls out tennis ace
Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina switched her allegiance to Australia this weekend after her application for permanent residency was accepted. Kasatkina had been vocal in her criticism of Russia’s LGBTQ+ rules and the country’s invasion of Ukraine, having not returned to her homeland in two-and-a-half years.
The World No. 12 wrote on social media: “I am happy to announce that I have applied for permanent residency in Australia, and the Government has accepted. Australia is a place that I love, it is incredibly welcoming, a place where I feel at home. I am proud to announce that I will be representing my new country, Australia.”
Her announcement was slammed by Nikolai Valuev, a former world heavyweight boxing champion-turned-politician, who is a vocal supporter of Vladimir Putin. As reported by Russian site Sport24, the seven-foot Russian said: “Is Kasatkina proud that she will now play for her new homeland? Okay, let her be proud. It is important not to throw mud at her real country, just to preserve her Western advantages.”
Daria Kasatkina has been warned after switching her allegiance from Russia (Image: Getty)
Murray lands new job
Having already stunned the sporting world by becoming Djokovic’s coach ahead of this season, Andy Murray has now popped up in an advertisement campaign for US golfing equipment company Callaway. The brand’s 70-second European advert is narrated by the three-time Grand Slam champion, who also happens to be a keen golfer. Murray in his trademark dry tone delivers a tongue-in-cheek overview of the impatience golfers feel before the return of spring. “We yearn to be out there in the green paradise,” Murray says. “Like fishermen to their waves, the fairway is our siren. So we wait, we will soon be free to go home.”
Raducanu’s career back to front
Tim Henman, who has been a vocal supporter of Emma Raducanu since before her triumph at the US Open in 2021, says the 22-year-old has had her “career back to front”. The British tennis legend is hopeful that World No. 48 Raducanu can win titles in 2025 after being hampered by repeated injuries in recent years and suffering early exits from tournaments.
Speaking after her Miami Open quarter-final exit to Pegula, Henman told Sky Sports: “For me, building physical resilience, I think, is the most important thing. That is what has been lacking because she’s almost had her career back to front, winning that slam without really having the foundation physically. Her body was breaking down when she was in competitions. The big positive this year is being able to compete more consistently and hopefully the results are going to come.”
Tim Henman is hopeful about Emma Raducanu’s prospects this season (Image: Getty)
Serena makes allegiance clear
Serena Williams has snubbed all of the other NFL teams in favour of the Miami Dolphins, who she owns with her sister and fellow tennis great, Venus. Having acquired a minority ownership stake in the Dolphins in 2009, the 23-time Grand Slam singles winner shared a video to social media in which she stands in front of all the other franchises’ NFL helmets, before saying: “Alright guys! There’s only one helmet after my heart and we all know it belongs to the Phins Up. Phins Up!”
Alcaraz on holiday
Meanwhile, following his early exit at the Miami Open, Carlos Alcaraz has enjoyed quality time with his parents and three brothers during their holiday to Mexico. Alcaraz is set to divert his attention towards clay season, which just so happens to be his preferred turf.
And having admitted he was “mentally disappointed” recently, the 21-year-old has now been seen enjoying the picturesque landscapes offered by the Riviera Maya by spending time in the pool, relaxing on a boat and playing some beach volleyball.
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