2025 Miami Open: Teenager Jakub Mensik beats Djokovic in Final

Czech teenager Jakub Mensik won the Miami Open. He beat his childhood idol, Novak Djokovic. Just hours before his match, he nearly withdrew due to a knee injury.

On March 20, Mensik went to the referee's room to withdraw. However, the official was out for lunch. He then visited a physiotherapist to confirm his withdrawal. The physiotherapist convinced him to stay and compete.

"I couldn't walk or run," Mensik said. "I started taking painkillers, but nothing helped." He tried to tell officials he was pulling out, but they were unavailable.

The physiotherapist assessed his injury and began treatment. After a few minutes of treatment, Mensik felt some relief. "I took different painkillers that helped a little," he said.

With just 30 minutes before the match, he decided to play. "I can walk and run now," he thought. He won his first-round match and had a day off afterward. His knee improved daily along with his game.

Mensik dropped only two sets on his way to the final. His victories included wins over Jack Draper and Taylor Fritz.

He claimed his first ATP Tour title by defeating Djokovic 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4). The match took place on a humid night in Florida. Djokovic aimed for his 100th singles title but will have to wait longer after this loss.

Mensik was only ten months old when Djokovic won his first title in 2006.