Jakub Mensik is through to his first Masters 1000 final in Miami! The young Czech ousted five rivals (he received one withdrawal) to book a place in his first title clash at this level, earning a couple of notable achievements.
At 19 years and six months, Mensik is the third-youngest player in the Miami Open final, joining multiple Major winners on the exclusive list. Jakub joined Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz at the top of the chart.
Nadal reached his first Masters 1000 final in Floridain 2005 at 18 years and nine months. Rafa had a massive chance to lift a notable trophy against world no. 1 Roger Federer. The young Spaniard led 6-2, 7-6, 4-1 before losing ground.
The Swiss prevailed in the third set and dominated the fourth and fifth to leave the young gun empty-handed. Seventeen years later, another Spanish raising star fought in the Miami Open final. Carlos Alcaraz entered the title clash at 18 years and nine months, just like his idol!
Unlike Nadal, Alcaraz made no errors in the title clash. Carlos faced Casper Ruud and scored a 7-5, 6-4 victory in an hour and 52 minutes. Thus, he became the third-youngest Masters 1000 champion after Michael Chang and Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz denied six of eight break points and provided four return games to make the difference. Carlos landed 27 winners and 22 unforced errors, outplaying his rival in the shortest exchanges and sealing the deal in straight sets.
Jakub Mensik will seek his first Masters 1000 crown over the six-time Miami Open champion Novak Djokovic. The young Czech entered the season's second Masters 1000 eventas world no. 54 and will make a significant progress following his great run.
The Czech will try to follow Alcaraz and become the second-youngest champion in Florida. He will face his idol in the decisive battle, with Djokovic seeking his 100th ATP title!
