Teenager Jakub Mensik stunned Novak Djokovic to claim his first ATP Tour title at the Miami Open, denying the Serbian legend his 100th career singles trophy.
The 19-year-old Czech delivered a fearless performance, defeating Djokovic 7-6(4), 7-6(4) to secure the biggest win of his young career.
Here’s everything you need to know about Mensik and his rapid rise in tennis:
Who is Jakub Mensik?
Jakub Mensik is a rising Czech tennis player who broke into the ATP Top 100 in February 2024 after reaching his first ATP Tour final in Doha and has already defeated Top 10 players, including Djokovic and Andrey Rublev.
What are Mensik’s biggest achievements?
– Career-high ATP ranking: No. 24 (March 2025)
– First ATP final: Doha 2024 (youngest Czech finalist, first ATP finalist born in 2005 or later)
– Defeated the then World No. 5 Andrey Rublev in Doha in 2024
– 2023 US Open: Reached the third round as a qualifier (youngest to do so at a Grand Slam since 2004)
– 2024 Australian Open and Next Gen ATP Finals qualifier
– 2022 Australian Open boys’ singles finalist (former Junior World No. 2)
When did Mensik start playing tennis?
He started at age 5, inspired by watching people play on courts near his home. His first coach was Ivo Müller.
What are his playing preferences?
– Best shot: Backhand down the line
– Preferred surface: Hard courts
– Favorite tournament: Australian Open
– Favorite city: New York
Who are his idols and favourite athletes?
– Tennis idol: Novak Djokovic
– Favourite athlete: Stephen Curry
– Favorite team: Golden State Warriors
How has he performed at different levels?
– ATP Tour: 42 wins, 27 losses; Champion at Miami Open 2025, Finalist at Doha 2024
– Challenger Tour: 33 wins, 22 losses; won 2023 Prague-2 Challenger
– ITF Juniors: 85 wins, 28 losses, Junior Australian Open 2022 runner-up
Why was his 2023 US Open debut special?
– Reached the third round as a qualifier in his first Grand Slam.
– Youngest to reach the third round at a Slam since Rafael Nadal (2004 Australian Open).
– Youngest to reach this stage at the US Open since Fabrice Santoro (1990).
– Lost to Taylor Fritz on his 18th birthday.
What was notable about his first ATP final in Doha?
– Beat Andy Murray, Gaël Monfils, and Andrey Rublev.
– Youngest Czech player to reach an ATP final.
– First player born in 2005 or later to reach an ATP final.
What are Mensik’s latest rankings and stats?
– Career-high ranking: No. 24 (March 2025)
– Broke into Top 100: February 2024
What is his nickname?
– Menimal
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com