During a quiet period in the relentless tennis calendar three years ago, a 16-year-old Jakub Mensik received an unexpected invitation. Having just reached the boys’ singles final at the Australian Open, he was asked to train with Novak Djokovic at the Serb’s academy in Belgrade. The two formed a connection, with Djokovic offering guidance and advice. For Mensik, it was a crucial moment in his early career.
On Sunday, the two met again under very different circumstances. This time, they were on opposite sides of the net as opponents in the Miami Open final, where Mensik secured a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) victory to claim his first ATP title in one of the sport’s biggest tournaments.
It was a remarkable performance from the teenager, who dominated behind his powerful, precise first serve and played fearlessly, particularly in the tie-breaks. His breakthrough tournament saw him defeat three top-eight players Jack Draper, Taylor Fritz, and Djokovic solidifying himself as a future grand slam contender.
For the 37-year-old Djokovic, this result was more complicated. His physical condition before the match was concerning, with a noticeably swollen right eye that he attempted to treat with eye drops. Though he avoided discussing the issue after the match, his sluggish start suggested it had an impact. He lost his opening service game and trailed for much of the first set. Despite eventually finding his rhythm, Djokovic struggled in the key moments, appearing uncharacteristically passive in both tie-breaks.
While this hesitation is not typical of his career, it has become a more frequent occurrence. His gold medal at the Paris Olympics remains an outlier in his performance over the past 16 months. Since winning the ATP Finals in 2023, a season that capped one of his most dominant years, he has failed to add another title to his collection. His milestone 100th title remains elusive.
Despite reaching the Miami final without dropping a set, Djokovic faces the reality of maintaining an elite level at his age. The emergence of younger players like Mensik, unburdened by past losses to him, poses an increasing challenge. The history of the sport suggests that 37 is a significant age for tennis legends. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal won their final grand slam titles at 36, while Serena Williams secured her last major at 35.
Beyond physical limitations, aging players often struggle to maintain composure in high-pressure moments. The awareness that their time at the top is limited adds to the mental challenge. This is becoming evident in Djokovic’s performances, where the fearless shot-making of his prime is appearing less frequently.
Still, his campaign in Miami was not without positives. The ATP tour is currently in a state of flux, with many top players Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and Andrey Rublev grappling with inconsistent form. Even with Jannik Sinner serving a three-month suspension, he remains comfortably ahead in the ATP race.
The clay-court season now looms, with the Monte Carlo Masters set to begin in just a few days. For Djokovic, new challenges await, but so do opportunities to reclaim his dominance. As he fights to remain among the sport’s elite, the battle to maintain his legacy is one he must embrace.
