World no. 54 Jakub Mensik is enjoying his career-best tournament at the Miami Open! The 19-year-old Czech has beaten five rivals (Tomas Machac gave him a walkover) to find himself in his first Masters 1000 final.
Thus, Mensik secured a notable feat, becoming the first player born in 2005 in the title of the premium ATP series. Rafael Nadal Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz did that in the past for their generations, which places Jakub on a high-profilelist!
A teenager will face his idol Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final, seeking the trophy and more history.
Mensik started the campaign from the first round. He defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. The Spaniard claimed the second set before the Czech stepped in and rattled off five games in the decider to seal the deal and make a winning start.
A teenager faced the ultimate test in the second round, with the Indian Wells champion Jack Draper standing on the other side of the net. Jakub ousted the top-10 opponent 7-6, 7-6 in under two hours for a notable win and a boost of confidence.
Mensik faced only two break points. He lost serve once and generated nine break points. Draper denied eight to remain in contention and reach two tie breaks. A teenager claimed all points on serve in the tie breaks and provided four mini-breaks to emerge at the top.
Jakub needed 75 minutes to oust Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4 and enter the last 16. The Czech never faced a break point and seized two on the return to make the difference and advance in no time. Mensik earned a day off when his compatriot Tomas Machac gave him a walkover.
Thus, Jakub entered the last eight and faced Arthur Fils. A teenager earned a 7-6, 6-1 triumph, becoming the first player born in 2005 in theMasters 1000 semi-final. The Czech prevailed in a tight opener and stormed over his opponent in the second set to advance.
Mensik faced the home favorite Taylor Fritz in the semi-final and prevailed 7-6, 4-6, 7-6. The American denied both break points and kept the pressure on the other side. Jakub lost serve at the beginning of the second set and served well in the remaining games.
The Czech outplayed his rival in both tie breaks to seal the deal and become the first player born in 2005 with theMasters 1000 final.
