Novak Djokovic was unable to secure his 100th career title, losing to a teenage player who nearly didn`t compete because of a knee injury.
Djokovic, aiming to join legends Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors in the exclusive club of men with 100 or more titles, was defeated.
The 37-year-old also sought to become the oldest Masters champion but was overcome by 19-year-old Czech talent Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final.
Djokovic was defeated by Mensik in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6, at Hard Rock Stadium.
This victory marked Mensik`s first ATP Tour title, making him the first player in 24 years to win their debut title at a Masters event, propelling him from world No. 54 to No. 24 in the rankings.
Remarkably, Mensik almost withdrew from the tournament before his opening match against Roberto Bautista Agut due to a knee injury.
After his victory, Mensik expressed gratitude to an ATP physiotherapist, Alejandro.
He explained that he was close to withdrawing from the tournament due to severe knee pain just an hour before his first match.
“I was just lucky that the referee was having lunch,” Mensik joked, referring to the delay that allowed him to receive last-minute treatment.
He added, “Because of him I stepped on the court. Because of him I’m standing here.”
Mensik also revealed his admiration for Djokovic, saying, “When I was young I started to play tennis because of you.”
“There is no harder task in tennis than to beat him in the finals. But of course I felt really great and it’s my time, so I just tried to focus on the match like I did before in previous rounds.”
Unseeded Mensik`s path to the final included a win over Jack Draper in the second round.
Djokovic was seen with a swollen eye during practice before the final, and used eye drops during the match. He appeared to lack energy as he missed the opportunity to win his first tournament since the Olympics.
Despite the loss, Djokovic praised Mensik in his runner-up speech.
Djokovic acknowledged Mensik`s performance, saying, “Congratulations. Unbelievable tournament. First of many.”
“It hurts me to admit it but you were better. In the clutch moments you delivered the goods.”
“Unbelievable serving. Just a phenomenal effort mentally to stay in the difficult moments.”
“For a young player like yourself this is a great feature. Something you’ll use many times in the years to follow.”
“I wish you the best of luck. Maybe you’ll let me win one of the next times we play.”
