Novak Djokovic avoids revealing problems that affected his performance after Jakub Mensik ruins his 100th ATP title goal in Miami
Novak Djokovic's search for the 100th ATP title continues as he was defeated in the Miami Open final by Jakub Mensik.
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Novak Djokovic, Jakub Mensik (Image via X/NovakFanFan, Tennis Channel)
Novak Djokovic entered the Miami Open final in his bid to claim his 100th ATP title. He was up against young Jakub Mensik on Sunday (March 30) in a match that started after nearly a six-hour rain delay and lasted for two hours and three minutes.
They played a pair of tie-breaks in which Mensik prevailed and eventually emerged triumphant with a 7-6(4), 7-6(4) scoreline. Djokovic hadn’t dropped a single set before this match in the tournament.
Did physical issues stop the Serb from playing to his full potential? The 37-year-old, whose fight with injuries has become frequent in recent times, said he didn’t want to dwell on his limitations. Before the final, his swollen eye sparked discussion on social media, but Djokovic simply wasn’t ready to discuss anything about it.
There is nothing that can detract from Mensik’s victory, so I prefer not to talk about certain things…I don’t want it to seem like I am justifying my defeat. It is the same for both players, and you have to accept all circumstances. I leave with a sour taste for losing the final, but I have regained good feelings both on and off the court.
Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
Mensik became the second youngest player to take home the Miami Open after Carlos Alcaraz. The four-time Grand Slam champion achieved the feat in 2022 when he was 18 years old. Mensik is also the first Czech Republican player to win an ATP Masters 1000 event since Tomas Berdych, who won the 2005 Paris Masters.
Novak Djokovic lauds Jakub Mensik’s game after defeat
Jakub Mensik dropped two sets throughout his match as he eliminated Roberto Bautista Agut and 2024 US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz in three sets. It was Mensik’s first ATP title, which made him only the fourth ATP player to take home his first title at a Masters 1000 event following Roberto Carretero, Chris Woodruff, and Albert Portas. Following the defeat, Novak Djokovic revealed what he liked about the teenager’s game.
He has a very complete game. Obviously, his serve is incredible, as powerful as it is precise, which gives him free points. He is a sturdy guy who moves very well. His backhand is impressive, and he has significantly improved his forehand. I believe he still has room for improvement in everything, which is great. I also love his fighting spirit and how consistent he is with his serve, putting pressure on the opponent.
Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
Djokovic had claimed his first ATP title in 2006 when Mensik was just 10 months old. En route to the triumph, Mensik knocked out three top 10 players: Djokovic, 2025 Indian Wells champion Jack Draper in the second round, and Fritz.
Before this tournament, he was a World No.54 player. He has now reached a career-high ranking of No.24, while Djokovic will continue to sit in the fifth position on the ATP rankings table.
Novak Djokovic once again fails to lift his 100th ATP title
Djokovic was bidding to become the third ATP player in the Open Era to claim 100 ATP titles after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. The last time (before this Miami Open) Djokovic reached a final, it was World No.1 Jannik Sinner who denied him the Shanghai Masters title last year.
He last won a title at the 2024 Paris Olympics and had claimed his last tour-level singles trophy at the 2023 ATP Finals. Djokovic will now shift his focus to the clay swing. He had reached the semifinals twice on clay-court events (excluding the Paris Olympics) last year and had progressed to the quarterfinals at the French Open but withdrew from his match against Casper Ruud because of a knee injury.
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