Jakub Mensik wrote history at the Miami Open. The young Czech claimed his first ATP title at the notable event, beating Novak Djokovic in the final and achieving many milestones. At 19 years and six months, Jakub became the fifth-youngest Masters 1000 champion!
Mensik joined Michael Chang, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune on a notable list. Thus, he achieved his first Masters 1000 trophy at a younger age than his idol, Novak Djokovic.
Michael Chang, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are the only Masters 1000 champions before turning 19. Holger Rune became the fourth-youngest winner in Paris 2022 after besting Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final.
Two and a half years later, Mensik entered the charts at 19 years and six months. The Czech came to Miami as world no. 54 and almost withdrew ahead of the event due to physical issues. Luckily, Jakub started his campaign and ousted six rivals en route to a trophy.
The young gun beat Roberto Bautista Agut,Jack Draper and Roman Safiullin in the opening three rounds. He got a day off in the last 16 as his compatriot Tomas Machac gave him a walkover. Thus, a teenager entered the quarter-final.
Jakub defeated Arthur Fils and found himself in the semi-final. Jakub faced a stern test in world no. 4 Taylor Fritz. The Czech failed to break the American's serve. However, the Czech prevailed 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 after a thriller, booking a place in his first Masters 1000 final.
Jakub lost serve once in the second set and played well in both tie breaks to arrange the title clash against his idol, Novak Djokovic. The young gunheld his nerves in a rain-delayed final, beating the legend 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and three minutes and writing history books.
Both players claimed 76 points and stayed neck and neck. Jakub made a strong start in the opener, and Novak erased the deficit to remain in touch. However, the young gun outplayed the veteran in the tie break and gained a massive boost.
Djokovic saved two break points in the fifth game of the second set and kept his chances alive. They reached another tie break, and Mensik held his nerves. The Czech claimed a couple of winners in the closing stages to seal the deal and celebrate his first ATP title on a notable scene.
