The 24-time Grand Slam winner went on to reflect on his history with Mensik, recalling their training sessions together when the Czech player was just 15 or 16 years old
Novak Djokovic has praised Jakub Mensik as a “complete” player after suffering a surprising straight-set defeat to the young Czech in the Miami Open final. The Serbian tennis legend missed out on winning his 100th tour title, but despite the loss, he acknowledged Mensik’s potential to become one of the world’s top players.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic congratulated Mensik and his team, saying, “Congratulations to Mensik and his team. I’m never really happy to lose, but he’s one of the very few players that I would be happier to lose to, to be honest.”
The 24-time Grand Slam winner went on to reflect on his history with Mensik, recalling their training sessions together when the Czech player was just 15 or 16 years old. “I have seen him play when he was 15 or 16 and invited him. We had some training blocks together. He was training at my club in Belgrade, and to see his development and evolution is really great, amazing,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic first took note of Mensik’s potential when the young player reached the boys’ singles final at the 2022 Australian Open. Reflecting on his early observations, Djokovic said, “I could see back then already—three, four years ago—that he’s going to be one of the top players in the world.”
Proud of Mensik’s progress, Djokovic praised his all-around game. “I’m super glad that he’s using the potential that he has because he’s got the complete game. Obviously, his serve is incredible—powerful, precise, wins a lot of free points with the first serve,” Djokovic said. “His backhand, as well. Czech school, they always have a great backhand. But his forehand has improved a lot. And movement for a tall, big guy like that, he slides and moves well. He can still improve, of course. So, I’m sure we’ll be seeing him around.”
While the loss in the final stung, Djokovic found comfort in his overall performance in Miami. He reflected on his time at the tournament, saying, “Overall, obviously, now [I have a] bitter taste because of the loss. But Miami, as I said on the court, really brought me a lot of joy and really good sensations on and off the court.”
Djokovic also appreciated the warm reception he received throughout the tournament. “I was welcomed very nicely by people and supported. Incredible again tonight, great support from the stadium in the match,” he said. “They were pushing me on and trying to give me strength for a comeback. Very grateful. Just enjoyed my experience overall. It was an amazing run.”
Although he fell short in the final, Djokovic was satisfied with his level of play leading up to the match. “Unfortunately, [it] ended with a loss in the final, but I played some really good tennis up to today,” he concluded.
