Nothing could stop Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending seventh Miami Open title and No. 100 overall title on the ATP Tour — until the 19-year-old Jakub Mensik showed up on Sunday in the final. The 21-year-old Czech turned in a cool and crackling performance, beating the Serbian legend in straight sets.
Despite the disappointment, Djokovic was gracious in defeat, complimenting Mensik’s speedy evolution.
“Congratulations to Mensik and his group. “I’m never happy when you lose, but he’s one of the few players I wouldn’t mind losing to,” Djokovic said. “I watched him when he was 15 or 16 years old and convinced him to come train with me in Belgrade. It’s been an incredible transformation of his.”
The match was suspended for roughly six hours because of rain, and Djokovic was plagued by discomfort beneath his right eye, as he constantly applied eye drops. But he would not use the conditions as an excuse.
“It’s no different for either player. Today was different,” he said.
Djokovic was upbeat about his Miami Open run after making the final without losing a set. With the clay court season looming, the 24-time Grand Slam champion will have the opportunity to get back on track in pursuit of more historic milestones.
