Nick Kyrgios was left impressed with Jakub Mensik following the 19-year-old’s win over Novak Djokovic in the Miami Masters final as the Australian labeled the Czech as “something special.”
Over the last two decades, young players competing against Djokovic on the big stage in the latter stages of a big tournament haven’t had much success. But on Sunday in Miami, Mensik delivered big time and upset the record 24-time Grand Slam champion 7-6 (4) 7-6 (4).
One of the most impressive things about the 19-year-old’s win is how he kept his composure and stayed ice-cold in the key moments of the match. It is not a secret that over the years, Djokovic has rarely lost a mental battle on the court.
“Mensik is truly something special. Not just to have such composure against the greatest of all time on such a stage, but the fact that he is 19… This is truly a special kid with plenty of potential to do special things,” Kyrgios wrote on X.
Djokovic spoke very highly of Mensik’s game
Before Kyrgios praised the new world No. 24, Djokovic himself had some big words for his Miami final rival.
“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. Backhand, as well,” the former world No. 1 said of the rising Czech star.
Growing up, Mensik idolized Djokovic. And then, his first ATP and Masters title came by beating none other than his idol.
Also, it should be mentioned that there’s one crazy part about Mensik’s win – he was battling a knee injury just before his first-round match and had the papers filed to pull out but then decided at the last moment to try playing. The rest is history.
