“Ever since I won my 99th, which was the Olympic Games in Paris, I’ve been playing with the prospect of winning the special hundred titles,” Novak Djokovic said after beating Grigor Dimitrov in the Miami Open semifinal. The oldest Masters 1000 finalist in history has secured his place in the summit clash of the Miami Open after almost nine years. He is now just one step away from clinching his 100th career ATP title and joining the elite list of Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors, the only two players in history to have won 100 ATP titles.

Djokovic is all set to face the third youngest Miami finalist, Jakub Mensik (CZE), in this epic grand finale. Mensik has idolized Djokovic while growing up. Now having got the chance to face him in this do-or-die clash, the 19-year-old said, “It feels incredible.” Mensik is the first Czech player in a Masters 1000 final since Tomas Berdych (2015). Can he stop the six-time champion in Miami from achieving his long-awaited dream?

Novak Djokovic vs Jakub Mensik: Preview

This is Djokovic’s first final of the season. Although he reached the QF in Brisbane and SF at the AO earlier, the 37-year-old failed to step up on both occasions. After the Australian swing, he made early exits from both Doha and Indian Wells. However, in Miami, it seems he has found his vintage form again. Djokovic is yet to drop a set in this tournament, and he’ll be entering this match following his impressive 6-2,6-3 win over the number 15, Grigor Dimitrov, in the QF.

Talking about his overall performance in the tournament so far, the Serb said, “I’ve been very happy with the way I prepared for the tournament, the way I’ve been playing. I haven’t dropped a set. It’s a great opportunity.“

Djokovic is currently tied with Andre Agassi (6) for most titles won in Miami. Other than his Paris Olympics triumph last year, his previous tour-level title came at the ATP Finals 2023. Can he bring an end to his dry run in Miami? Djokovic sees this as a great opportunity. But what does the first player born in 2005 to notch a Masters 1000 final have to say about his incredible run in Miami?

Well, with his impressive performances in Miami, Jakub Mensik is all set to enter the Top 30 on Monday. The 19-year-old stunned everyone with his impressive straight-sets victory against the 2025 Indian Wells champion, Jack Draper, in the R64. Mensik has dropped just two sets in this tournament so far, and he’ll be entering the battlefield against his tennis idol after his hard-fought 7-6(4),4-6,7-6(4) win over the World number 4, Taylor Fritz. What was the key to his success in that match?

“The key was to stay focused. He serves the same as me so it was just a game of serves. He didn’t give me the opportunity to break him, so the two tie breaks decided it,” Mensik said after the semifinal. Even according to Fritz, Mensik has a “solid chance” in the final against Djokovic.

If we take a look his Jakub Mensik’s performance this season, he has already reached two QFs (Brisbane and Auckland) before Miami. Now, since he has gone a step further in Miami, can he make this run fruitful?

Djokovic vs. Mensik: Head-to-Head

Novak Djokovic and Jakub Mensik have crossed paths only once in their careers so far. The Serb currently has a 1-0 lead over the Czech in their H2H record. However, despite being the underdog, the teenage sensation seems to be high on confidence before this epic battle. Recalling his first encounter with Djokovic, he said that he was a bit “nervous” at that time, but he has grown “mentally” ever since. “(I’m a) different player,” he stated. “I’m here to win.”

• 2024 ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai QF: Djokovic 6(4)-7,6-1,6-4.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in three sets

Novak Djokovic has now advanced to a record-extending 60th ATP Masters 1000 title match, and his wait for his 100th ATP title may come to an end on Sunday at the Miami Open. His experience of 2 years, coupled with his insatiable hunger to break records and his tactical superiority, may make things a bit difficult for the 19-year-old Mensik in this match. Also, we must not forget that Novak Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles in his career, out of which 14 have come on hard courts. That shows his dominance on this surface.

Djokovic is currently ranked 5th in the world and has a win-loss record of 10-4 this season. While his opponent, Jakub Mensik, who is almost 18 years younger than him, is ranked 54th currently, and has a win-loss record of 12-6 for the season. He will take a huge leap once the rankings get updated next.

Considering the impressive form of the two players in Miami, this match might go a little deeper, but talking about the winner, it’s pretty hard to rule out one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport.

As far as their playing styles are concerned, Mensik is known for his aggressive style of play, and his game consists of big serves and big returns. Did you know this youngster fired 25 aces against Fritz in his last match? Apart from his service, Mensik also has a precise drop shot in his arsenal and a decent backhand down the line. He can bring in a lot of variation in his game.

Djokovic, on the flip side, is a highly versatile, all-court player with exceptional defensive skills, a powerful and accurate backhand, and the ability to switch from defense to offense swiftly. His double-handed backhand is considered to be one of the best, if not the best, on tour! Djokovic’s incredible mental toughness is also something that separates him from the rest.

Considering all the factors, including recent form and experience, Djokovic should be able to topple Jakub Mensik. The prediction is for the Serb to seal the deal in a hard-fought three-setter.