It will be the biggest age gap in Masters 1000 final history–which dates back to the format’s inception in 1990–when Novak Djokovic and Jakub Mensik battle for the Miami Open title on Sunday afternoon. Djokovic is 37; Mensik is 19. Eighteen years and 102 days is the exact difference.
It has been 169 days since Djokovic and Mensik first went head-to-head at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, where the Serb prevailed 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. That may not be a long time, but Mensik insists that he is now a much better player.
“(I’m a) different player,” the Czech said during his post-match press conference after upsetting Taylor Fritz in a third-set tiebreaker on Friday. “In Shanghai I was kind of nervous. I’m not saying that [I won’t be] on Sunday, also. But, yeah, I was just nervous. I was not able to hold (the) nerves very well in the match. I think [in the last] few months I just grew up a little mentally.
“Of course, playing right now I feel that the conditions and everything here suits me very well. I feel really comfortable on the court. So I’m going there on Sunday to win. No doubt on that. In Shanghai I was more (there to) enjoy and to take the experiences. Right now I’m here to win.”
Mensik has been winning a lot dating back to last season–including against the toughest of competition. Among active players with at least 10 matches against top-10 players, Mensik owns the third-highest winning percentage in such situations. Djokovic (No. 1 on that list), Carlos Alcaraz (No. 2), and Jannik Sinner (No. 4) are the only others with winning records against top-10 opponents.
The world No. 54 has added two such victories to his haul this fortnight, ousting Indian Wells champion Jack Draper 7-6(2), 7-6(3) in the second round prior to his win over Fritz. Mensik also advanced with defeats of Roberto Bautista Agut, Roman Safiullin, and Arthur Fils.
Djokovic, whom Mensik idolized growing up and got to practice with twice back in 2022, is looking like the Djokovic of old in Miami. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not dropped a single set while beating Rinky Hijikata, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Lorenzo Musetti, Sebastian Korda, and Grigor Dimitrov
Mensik did not break serve a single time in three long sets against Fritz and now he is facing an opponent who in his five Miami matches has served at 80 percent, 77 percent, 70 percent, 83 percent, and 87 percent. In other words, Mensik will pretty much have to hold serve every time he toes the line on Sunday. As big as the teenager’s own serve is, it’s hard to see him holding with ease amidst the pressure of the biggest match of his career against the best returner of all time.
Although Mensik may be in it to win it, the end result will likely be nothing more than another valuable experience.
Pick: Djokovic in 2
who ya got?
Mensik my maimi champion
Joker playing like hid old self…..seems VERY determined…in 2
agreed
Will be interesting because all of Mensik’s opponents were higher ranked and in better form.
Fritz in particular is 27 and playing the tennis of his life right now.
Whereas Djokovic’s opponents were either low ranked or have already lost before they walk on the court, and they still nearly pushed it to a 3rd set and could’ve won.
fair points
It is not clear what is going to happen today. In my view, Djokovic has more than 50% chance of winning. The challenge is mostly that he has not played Mensik enough to figure him out.
In response to the above comment regarding ranking: Yes, it is a valid point. However, Mensik received a walkover and played two strong players after they went through tough 3-setters the previous day. He was far more rested, which likely played a role in the outcome.
Good luck to both players.
He gave him the walkover because he knew he could win it.
Machac gives everyone walkovers
Bit late for that after alteady trying to rig the result. Don’t try and soften it after doing the wrong thing.
LOL at Fritz playing tennis of his life . Not true .
Lol
It’s not often you get mispricing as significant as this.
I have it
Mensik 1.80
Djokovic 2.10
Bookies have it
Mensik 4.10
Djokovic 1.25
bit of a stretch!
But you had Musetti beating Djokovic and Fritz beating Mensik in 2?
whats the point?
lack of credibility?
Big serves are worthless against Djokovic. I think Djoko will win comfortably.
depends on the conditions just how worthless they are
Hard to pick against Djokovic/Murray ,in three.
Murray makes the difference
Absolutely. Esp come Wimbledon time.Just his prescence
Djokovic will win his 100th Title today I say in strategy.
GO NOVAK!!
Easy win for Nole. Most easy final to predict ever.
Djoker has an eye infection now
Fritz against the rest of the tour is in on par with Djokovic atm.
This has upset written all over it.
Of course Djokovic can win, but who do you listen to? The one credible person in this forum or the many others who will say and do anything to suit their agenda and stand for nothing?
I’m not sure Murray supporting Djokovic is something that should celebrated, either. It sends the wrong message.
Mensik probably should’ve beaten Fritz in 2, also; just a blip in concentration the difference.
big hold for Djokovic at 2-2 in the second
Mensik wins it