Novak Djokovic may have suffered a shock defeat in the Miami Masters final but his post-match remarks about Jakub Mensik earned him some major praise from one of the most iconic tennis players, Martina Navratilova.
When the 37-year-old reached the Miami final, everything appeared to be set for him to lift his 100th title in South Beach. But instead of witnessing tennis history, spectators in Miami had a chance to see 19-year-old Mensik winning his maiden Masters title after registering a 7-6 (4) 7-6 (4) victory.
Djokovic, who was troubled by an eye issue throughout the final, didn't want the focus to be on him after the match. Instead, he wanted all the attention to be on the rising Czech tennis star.
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I dont wanna talk too much. This is Jakubs moment, a moment for his team and family. Congratulations. Unbelievable tournament," the Serb said.
"First of many. It hurts me to admit it but you were better. In the clutch moments you delivered the goods. Unbelievable serving. Just a Phenomenal effort mentally to stay in the difficult moments. For a young player like yourself this is a great feature. Something youll use many times in the years to follow. I wish you the best of luck. Maybe youll let me win one of the next times we play,"
Navratilova reacts to Djokovic's comments about Mensik
The former 18-time Grand Slam champion absolutely loved seeing how the record 24-time Grand Slam champion spoke about a promising star after losing a final on the big stage.
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"World class comments from Novak to Menk after losing to him- from the biggest champion to the new champion," Navratilova wrote when reacting to Djokovic's comments.
Meanwhile, Mensik also showed some major respect and appreciation for the 37-year-old by declaring him his idol.
