By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday March 30, 2025
Although Sunday was a tough day for Novak Djokovic in Miami, as he fell quick in his bid for his one centesimal 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 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 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 actually nice, superb.”
Mensik has proven gratitude to Djokovic for taking him beneath 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 high participant.
“I might see again then already that three, 4 years in the past that he will be one of many high gamers of the world,” he stated. “I am tremendous glad that he is utilizing the potential that he has, as a result of he is received the whole sport. Clearly his serve is unbelievable: highly effective, exact, wins a whole lot of free factors with the primary serve.”
Mensik served lights out in opposition to one of the best returner on the planet on Sunday in Miami, however he used extra than simply the serve to recover from the road in opposition to Djokovic.
Djokovic stated {the teenager}’s forehand is considered one of his most improved photographs. Neither wing broke down beneath excessive strain from Djokovic because the 37-year-old tried to power a 3rd set.
“Backhand, as effectively – Czech faculty, they all the time have a terrific backhand,” Djokovic stated. “However forehand, he is improved lots. And motion for a tall, massive man like that, he slides and strikes effectively.
LOVED THE FIGHTING SPIRIT
Djokovic stated he was impressed whereas watching Mensik as a junior in 2022, when the Czech had full physique cramps throughout a protracted battle with Bruno Kuzuhara within the Boys ultimate that yr.
Djokovic contacted him after that match and invited him to coach with him. They’ve been involved – and have educated collectively periodically – ever since.
“I beloved the combating spirit when he was down in that ultimate I noticed in Australia, and clearly massive sport. Appeared like a pleasant man, Jap European. I gave a name by my administration, his administration, and we discovered a connection. He accepted to come back.
“We had three coaching blocks collectively. And truly, his physio who’s with him now was my physio, Serbian man. There are a whole lot of connecting issues that we have now in frequent. In order I stated, massive sport, massive potential. I am certain that he is received a brilliant future.”
