By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday March 30, 2025
Although Sunday was a tough day for Novak Djokovic in Miami, as he fell brief in his bid for his a hundredth profession title in two tight units to Jakub Mensik, the Grand Slam king was all class on the court docket and within the pressroom as he praised the 19-year-old Czech, whom he has mentored for a number of years now.
“By no means actually joyful to lose, however he is one of many only a few gamers that I might be happier to lose to, to be sincere,” Djokovic advised 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. To see his growth and evolution is admittedly nice, wonderful.”
Mensik has proven gratitude to Djokovic for taking him below his wing. Anybody who watched the pair work together after the ultimate might see that the respect and admiration he has for the Serbian icon is nice.
Correct respect 🙏@mensik_jakub_ & @DjokerNole present us what it is all about.#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/tMlUvgmvkl
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 31, 2025
Djokovic says that he might see very early on that Mensik had what it takes to be a prime participant.
“I might see again then already that three, 4 years in the past that he’ll be one of many prime gamers of the world,” he mentioned. “I am tremendous glad that he is utilizing the potential that he has, as a result of he is acquired the whole sport. Clearly his serve is unbelievable: highly effective, exact, wins plenty of free factors with the primary serve.”
Mensik served lights out towards the most effective returner on the earth on Sunday in Miami, however he used extra than simply the serve to recover from the road towards Djokovic.
Djokovic mentioned {the teenager}’s forehand is considered one of his most improved photographs. Neither wing broke down below excessive stress from Djokovic because the 37-year-old tried to drive a 3rd set.
“Backhand, as nicely – Czech faculty, they all the time have a fantastic backhand,” Djokovic mentioned. “However forehand, he is improved so much. And motion for a tall, huge man like that, he slides and strikes nicely.
LOVED THE FIGHTING SPIRIT
Djokovic mentioned he was impressed whereas watching Mensik as a junior in 2022, when the Czech had full physique cramps throughout an extended battle with Bruno Kuzuhara within the Boys remaining that yr.
Djokovic contacted him after that match and invited him to coach with him. They’ve been involved – and have skilled collectively periodically – ever since.
“I cherished the combating spirit when he was down in that remaining I noticed in Australia, and clearly huge sport. Appeared like a pleasant man, Jap European. I gave a name by way of my administration, his administration, and we discovered a connection. He accepted to come back.
“We had three coaching blocks collectively. And really, his physio who’s with him now was my physio, Serbian man. There are plenty of connecting issues that we have now in widespread. In order I mentioned, huge sport, huge potential. I am certain that he is acquired a vibrant future.”
