Jakub Mensik, of Czech Republic, holds the Butch Buchholz Championship Trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, left, within the males’s singles closing match on the Miami Open tennis event on March 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
| Photograph Credit score: AP
Novak Djokovic fell quick in his bid to say a one centesimal ATP title following a straight units defeat by Czech teenager Jakub Mensik within the Miami Open closing, however the Serb mentioned dropping to his protege made it somewhat simpler to digest.
Djokovic was seeking to be a part of Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the one three males within the skilled period with 100 or extra titles, however the 37-year-old crashed 7-6(4) 7-6(4) in humid circumstances after a number of hours of rain delays on Sunday (March 31, 2025).
Regardless of the frustration, Djokovic mentioned he was blissful that the 19-year-old Mensik was delivering on his potential along with his maiden title.
“I am by no means actually blissful to lose, however he is one of many only a few gamers that I might be happier to lose to, to be trustworthy,” Djokovic instructed reporters.
“I’ve seen him play when he was 15 or 16 and invited him. We had some coaching blocks collectively. He was coaching at my membership in Belgrade (in 2022) and to see his growth and evolution is admittedly nice, wonderful,” he mentioned.
“I may see again then already that he’ll be one of many prime gamers of the world. I am tremendous glad that he is utilizing the potential that he has, as a result of he is bought the entire recreation,” he added.
Djokovic mentioned that Mensik would solely get higher after turning into the second youngest Miami champion since Carlos Alcaraz, who received the trophy in 2022 as an 18-year-old.
“His serve is unimaginable, highly effective, exact and he wins loads of free factors with the primary serve,” 24-times Grand Slam champion Djokovic added.
“Backhand, as properly. Czech college, they at all times have an awesome backhand. However forehand, he’s improved quite a bit. And motion for a tall, large man like that, he slides and strikes properly. He nonetheless can enhance, in fact. So I’m positive we’ll be seeing him round,” Djokovic mentioned.
“It is unlucky for me. Two tiebreaks, bizarre match, bizarre day with the rain delay and all of the issues that have been occurring. I did not really feel my biggest on the court docket, however it’s what it’s. Nothing to remove from his victory.”
Revealed – March 31, 2025 11:05 am IST
