It has been some rise for Mensik, who broke into the highest 100 in February 2024 by reaching the Qatar Open ultimate.
In Miami he beat three top-10 gamers in Djokovic, Britain’s Jack Draper and American Taylor Fritz to carry the largest title of his profession, and dealt with the strain of the event effectively.
After a five-and-a-half hour rain delay earlier than the ultimate, settling right into a rhythm was not simple, however Mensik adjusted faster than Djokovic.
He broke Djokovic on the first alternative and his first serve popped as he rushed out to a 4-1 lead.
Djokovic, in contrast, had a tough begin. He fell twice, needed to apply eye drops after being bothered by swelling beneath his proper eye and resorted to utilizing sawdust to assist him grip his racquet within the humidity.
Nevertheless, his serve improved because the set progressed and his backhand slice particularly hassle Mensik, who finally handed the break again.
A tie-break felt inevitable and Djokovic paid for a poor begin to it, though he saved two set factors earlier than Mensik smashed his option to the opener.
The match was following an identical sample to their earlier assembly in Shanghai final 12 months, when Mensik took the primary set on a breaker earlier than fading within the subsequent two.
Nevertheless, this time he stored up the depth. Mensik didn’t face a break level within the second set and the warmth and humidity started to take a toll on Djokovic.
Respiratory closely and wiping his face on a towel between each level, Djokovic may solely watch as Mensik despatched three glorious serves previous him to drive a tie-break, earlier than the Serb whacked his thigh together with his racquet after dropping the opening level in it.
If the purpose was quick, then it was Djokovic who got here out on high. However Mensik dug in to the lengthy rallies, sending Djokovic darting round behind court docket and finally organising three match factors.
The primary one glided by as Djokovic despatched an outstanding return proper onto the baseline, however Mensik ensured a becoming finish with a serve out extensive to clinch the second.
He’ll now rise to a career-high of twenty fourth on the earth rankings.
For Djokovic, the look ahead to a primary ATP title since 2023 goes on, however there have been indicators that his serve particularly has improved beneath coach Andy Murray.
