“I’ve kept an eye on his progress,” Novak Djokovic recalls sharing the court with his next Shanghai opponent Jakub Mensik in Belgrade

Novak Djokovic is an admiration for many up-and-coming tennis superstars today, including Jakub Mensik from the Czech Republic.

“I’ve kept an eye on his progress,” Novak Djokovic recalls sharing the court with his next Shanghai opponent Jakub Mensik in Belgrade

Novak Djokovic and Jakub Mensik (via X)

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has built a tennis legacy like no other. Beyond his numerous achievements, the Serbian star has gained a massive fan following worldwide, inspiring many young tennis players.

One of these rising players is 19-year-old Jakub Mensik, who is having the tournament of his life in Shanghai. Djokovic is impressed by the teenager and shared the remarkable story of their time together in Belgrade.

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He is a young player who is on the rise. I’ve been following him since he played in the Australian Open final…We had several training weeks together in Belgrade, and he also came to play the Serbian Open on clay. I’ve kept an eye on his progress, and I try to be available to offer him advice and guidance, as well as to his parents, who are lovely people. So, I’m very happy for him, that he’s doing so well. I’ve always thought he had the potential to become one of the best players in the world, and that’s what he’s achieving right now.

Novak Djokovic said in his Shanghai post-match press conference

Mensik, currently ranked No. 65 in the world, is set to climb ten spots higher regardless of his result against Djokovic. The Czech player has already beaten Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov to reach this stage.

Djokovic has often expressed that playing against the next generation motivates him. However, the former World No.1 will rely on his experience when he faces Mensik on Friday (October 11).

Novak Djokovic passes Roman Safiullin test in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic powered through to the quarter-finals of the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Wednesday (October 9) with a strong win against Roman Safiullin. The four-time champion won 6-3, 6-2, keeping his hopes alive for a 100th career title.

Novak Djokovic (4)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X)

Djokovic had to dig deep to save all three break points he faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats. This victory also improved his head-to-head record against Safiullin to 3-0. If Djokovic wins the title in Shanghai, he would become the third man in the Open Era to reach 100 tour-level titles, joining Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.

19-year-old Jakub Mensik, who upset Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, is now the youngest quarter-finalist in Shanghai’s history and secured his fourth consecutive win against a Top 10 player. Safiullin had some early chances, including a strong inside-out forehand to save a break point in the second game. However, he couldn’t capitalize on two break points later in the set. Djokovic took control, breaking in the eighth game and cruising through the second set to secure victory.