Jakub Mensik’s performance at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah has been overshadowed by a surprising incident during his match against Arthur Fils. After losing two of his first three matches, Mensik’s frustration peaked. He was unexpectedly asked to undergo an anti-doping test during a toilet break. This bizarre request, made mid-match, left him visibly upset as he tossed his towel in frustration.
The moment gained attention on social media, particularly from The Tennis Letter. They highlighted the unusual timing of the doping control request. According to reports, Mensik shared his disbelief with the umpire Nacho Forcadell, stating that he was asked for the test right in the middle of the match after the second set. The tweet from The Tennis Letter captured the sentiment perfectly: “Not before… not after… but right in the middle of it.”
Jakub Mensik was asked to do an anti-doping test DURING his match against Arthur Fils at Next Gen ATP Finals.
Not before… not after… but right in the middle of it.
I’m at a total loss for words.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 19, 2024
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Mensik concluded the match in frustration, losing in straight sets to Fils by a score of 4-2, 4-3, 4-2. But, it is yet to be seen how this situation will unfold for the player. His resilience will be crucial as he looks to bounce back from these challenges and grow as a player. He came into the Finals with a positive outlook, excited to participate. Expressing his excitement about being there at the ATP Tour, he said, “It was one of my biggest goals to reach this event before the season.”
However, although he lost his first match to Learner Tien, he previously mentioned his approach to matches: “I never have expectations…Obviously just to enjoy this beautiful tournament. Of course, I would be happy to win a couple of matches and of course, I’m going here to win it.” While he hasn’t claimed a title this season yet, his determination shines through. Some spectators have praised the young Czech for the skills he has displayed so far.
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ATP insiders hail the 19-year-old rising star for Federer-like serve
The Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah features an impressive lineup of young talents. Names such as Arthur Fils, Alex Michelsen, Jakub Mensik, and Juncheng Shang. During a recent Tennis Channel Live podcast, Jason Goodall and Chris Eubanks were asked which of the eight competitors has the best serve. Eubanks confidently declared, “I am going to go with [Jakub] Mensik. I saw his serve firsthand; he has an absolute bomb and can hit mid to high 130s with relative consistency.” He emphasized Mensik’s versatility, stating, “The slice serve for him is so big; it opens up the flat serves and the wide and ads.”
Goodall echoed Eubanks’ praise, likening Mensik’s serving rhythm to that of tennis great Roger Federer. “When he built up a nice rhythm on serve, you could see he was holding serve really quickly,” Goodall noted. “It was [Roger] Federer-like—under 60 seconds, hold after hold after hold.” This efficiency not only helps Mensik build momentum but also instills confidence, allowing him to put pressure on his opponents.
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Mensik earned his spot at the Next Gen ATP Finals after a breakout season. He was named ATP Newcomer of the Year, soaring 119 places to finish inside the world’s top 50. The 19-year-old Czech reached his first ATP final at the Qatar Open, narrowly losing to Karen Khachanov. He also made a splash at the Shanghai Masters, taking a set off Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals. Notably, Mensik achieved impressive top-ten victories over Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov. He boasts a solid 4-3 record against elite players.
Challenges do lie ahead. A crucial match against Joao Fonseca. The accolades from experts like Eubanks and Goodall highlight Mensik’s immense potential. With such high praise, many are excited to see where his journey will lead. What are your thoughts on Mensik’s situation? Share your comments below!
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Mid-match doping test for Mensik—fair play or a step too far in tennis regulations?
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