Jakub Mensik shares ‘crazy story’ of how he almost pulled out of Miami Open after toppling Novak Djokovic in final

Jakub Mensik reached a career-high No.24 in ATP ranking after beating Novak Djokovic in the 2025 Miami Open final.

Jakub Mensik shares ‘crazy story’ of how he almost pulled out of Miami Open after toppling Novak Djokovic in final

Novak Djokovic, Jakub Mensik (Image via X/Univers Tennis)

In the end, all the credit should go to the referee. Miami Open witnessed the newest champion, and this happened because the referee was having lunch. Before the tournament, Jakub Mensik was not in a condition to even run on a treadmill.

Two weeks and a six-hour rain delayed final later, he came out on top of his idol, Novak Djokovic, to become the Miami Open champion for the first time. The Serb, on his part, had progressed to his first ATP final since the 2024 Shanghai Masters but was denied his 100th tour-level title by the teenager, who won the match with a 7-6(4), 7-6(4) scoreline. Mensik later thanked ATP physio Alejandro for doing the miracle.

YouTube video

I have to tell you one story. One hour before my first match here, I was holding the paper of pulling out from the tournament. Because my knee was hurting a lot. I was just lucky that the referee was having lunch. I came for the treatment, he [Alejandro] did a miracle. Because of him, I step on the court, and because of him, I’m standing here.

Jakub Mensik said during the trophy presentation

Mensik then talked in detail about his injury on Tennis Channel. Two days before the start of the tournament, he had a big inflammation on his knee. He was on painkillers, but nothing was working, and he couldn’t even walk.

One hour before the tournament, because the referee was having lunch, Mensik, who decided to withdraw from the tournament, went to the physio’s office for treatment and decided to give himself a last chance.

So I mean it’s crazy story. And, yeah, even with this story [with the trophy], it feels incredible.

Jakub Mensik told Tennis Channel

Mensik said he somehow beat Roberto Bautista Agut and had a day off following which he knocked out 2025 Indian Wells champion Jack Draper. He next beat Roman Safiullin and received a walkover from Tomas Machac before eliminating Arthur Fils in the quarterfinals. The 19-year-old then eked out a win over 2024 US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz in the semifinals before overcoming Djokovic in the summit clash.

Rick Macci warns Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after Jakub Mensik’s win over Novak Djokovic in Miami Open final

After Sunday’s win, Jakub Mensik has reached a career-best ranking of No.24. Serena Williams‘ former coach Rick Macci made a bold prediction, saying Mensik has the ability to join Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the top positions of the rankings table.

Jakub Mensik
Jakub Mensik (Image via X/#AusOpen)

Huge upside with huge serve. The leg drive innates the racquet at the right time and the angle of decent of serve is coming in with mustard from a launched and elevated 6 ft 4 frame to a spot. Jacob will be CZECKING Carlos and Jannik and the top 5 sooner than later.

Rick Macci wrote on X

Check out his post here:

Sinner, despite playing only one tournament so far in the season due to the three-month doping ban, is sitting on top of the rankings table. Alcaraz, on the other hand, occupies the third position.

Alexander Zverev is the World No. 2, while Taylor Fritz sits in the fourth spot. Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic will continue to sit in the fifth position.

Jakub Mensik scripted history at the Miami Open after win over Novak Djokovic

Mensik has become the first player from the Czech Republic to claim an ATP Masters 1000 since Tomas Berdych, who took home the 2005 Paris Masters. He is also the second-youngest man to bag the Miami Open after Carlos Alcaraz’s victory in the 2022 season.

Jakub Mensik 3
Jakub Mensik (Image via Tennis Channel)

Mensik smashed 111 aces throughout the tournament; while Novak Djokovic faced 14 of those shots in the final. With his win, Mensik also became the fourth player following Roberto Carretero, Chris Woodruff, and Albert Portas to take home his first ATP title in a Masters 1000 tournament.