Jakub Menšík, a 19-year-old Czech, stunned the tennis world by defeating Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 7-6(4) in the Miami Open final, securing his first ATP title. The 54th-ranked player overcame immense odds in just his second ATP final, delivering 14 aces and sealing the match with an unreturnable serve. The victory denied Djokovic his long-anticipated 100th career title.
Djokovic, at 37, was the oldest player ever to reach a Masters 1000 final and aimed to join the exclusive group of men with 100 or more titles. However, fatigue and his opponent’s relentless performance kept him from achieving the milestone.
Menšík, who has long admired Djokovic, expressed his gratitude and respect for the Serbian legend during the trophy ceremony. He acknowledged how influential Djokovic had been in his journey as a tennis player and emphasized how challenging it was to defeat him in a final.
The match began after a long rain delay, with Djokovic appearing slightly off balance. He had visible swelling near his right eye and seemed unsettled, gifting Menšík a break early in the match. A slip in the fifth game further disrupted his rhythm. Throughout the game, Djokovic’s fans cheered him on, urging him to fight back, while he occasionally used eye drops during changeovers to ease his discomfort.
Despite these challenges, Djokovic managed to level the score in the seventh game. However, frustration got the better of him when Menšík surged ahead 5-0 in the first-set tiebreak. Djokovic vented his anger at his box, where his coach and former rival, Andy Murray, remained expressionless. Menšík stayed composed and confidently closed out the set with a powerful overhead smash.
The second set was equally intense, with both players engaging in thrilling exchanges. Menšík showcased his speed and agility, countering Djokovic’s well-placed drop shots at the net. Though Djokovic displayed his experience by fending off break points, he showed signs of weariness as the match progressed. The tiebreak saw Djokovic collapse from exhaustion after an exhausting 21-shot rally, paving the way for Menšík’s triumph.
After the match, Djokovic graciously acknowledged his opponent’s superiority, stating that Menšík performed better in the crucial moments. Their connection goes back to 2022 when Djokovic invited Menšík, then 16, to train with him following his Australian Open junior final appearance.
Menšík’s victory marked the culmination of a remarkable tournament run, which included an upset over third seed Taylor Fritz. Overwhelmed with emotion, he admitted that the win felt surreal.
His success was particularly remarkable given that he had almost withdrawn from the tournament due to knee pain. He credited his physiotherapist for helping him recover just in time for his first match. Without that intervention, he believed he wouldn’t have even stepped onto the court, let alone claimed the title.
