Novak Djokovic has had it rough. Since last year, fans have been eagerly awaiting his 100th title and 25th Grand Slam. However, these milestones remain elusive. Djokovic went through the entire 2024 season without a title, his first trophyless season since 2005! He came close to winning at the Shanghai Masters and Wimbledon last year but was defeated by younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Now, in his third attempt at grabbing that 100th title, he was taken down by another youngster, Jakub Mensik. But while he was disappointed, Djokovic was ever so gracious in defeat.

On Monday, the tennis world witnessed a historic moment as the Miami Open finals produced a storm, both figuratively and literally. After waiting over five hours and 30 minutes, the match finally began, with Mensik creating magic by taking down the 25 Grand Slam champion in straight sets. He won the match after Djokovic came up short in two tight tie-breakers.

The Czech teenager, ranked 54 in the world, captured his maiden ATP Tour title in an impressive fashion, winning with the scoreline of 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4). Following the match, Djokovic took to X to congratulate the teen, writing, “Congratulations Jakub. This is your moment! Enjoy it and keep striving for more 💪🙌. And thank you, @MiamiOpen 🙏🏼. Great tournament, amazing support. Hope to be back again soon.”

The Miami Open final was a defining moment for Jakub Mensik, a teenager who left an indelible mark on the tennis world. His performance was phenomenal, as he dominated with his powerful and precise first serve, showcasing fearlessness and an attacking style that left opponents reeling, especially in tie-breaks. Mensik’s impressive run included victories over three top-eight players: Jack Draper, Taylor Fritz, and the legendary Novak Djokovic. This breakthrough has undoubtedly positioned him as a future Grand Slam contender. He even excitedly wrote, “1st of many” on the camera lens after the victory!

For Djokovic, the outcome was more complex. The match was significantly delayed due to rain, and Djokovic appeared before the warm-up with a visibly swollen right eye, which he treated with eye drops throughout. Despite these challenges, the Serb remained tight-lipped about the details, stating, “I don’t want to get into details, it is what it is. You know, it’s the same for both players. You have to accept the circumstances.” This resilience in the face of adversity has always been the characteristic of Djokovic’s career, but the physical toll was evident.

However, Djokovic remains a true sportsman. While he congratulated his opponent, it’s interesting to note that he was the reason Mensik found his footing at the beginning of his career.

Novak applauds how far Jakub has come in his journey

In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Djokovic showered Mensik with praise during the trophy ceremony. “Congratulations to Mensik and his team,” he said. “Never really happy to lose, but he’s one of the very few players that I would be happier to lose to, to be honest.” Nole then revealed that he had been following Mensik’s career since the Czech was just 15 or 16 years old, even inviting him for training sessions at his club in Belgrade.

He further noted, “I could see back then already—three, four years ago—that he’s going to be one of the top players in the world. I’m super glad that he’s using the potential that he has, because he’s got the complete game.” Mensik’s serve is particularly impressive, with Djokovic highlighting its power and precision. “Obviously, his serve is incredible, powerful, precise, and wins a lot of free points with the first serve,” he added. Mensik’s backhand, a hallmark of the Czech tennis school, and his improved forehand also drew praise from Djokovic.

As Mensik basks in the glory of his maiden ATP title, all eyes are now on Djokovic’s quest for his 100th title. The French Open is just around the corner, and after recovering from a hamstring injury, the Serb is looking strong. Last year, he was forced to withdraw from the Roland Garros due to a knee injury, but this year could be different. Will Djokovic end his title drought on the clay courts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!