History in Miami Open: Jakub Mensik claims first Masters 1000 title, defeats Novak Djokovic

Jakub Mensik makes history with his first Masters 1000 title at the Miami Open, defeating Novak Djokovic 7-6(3), 7-6(4). The 19-year-old frustrated Nole's hopes of achieving his 100th title.

If there were any doubts about the teenager's ability, he silenced them with an unstoppable victory, in what is his very first title as a professional. Mensik also secured his best ranking as world No. 24 starting Monday.

Having a strong service game was key for both players, especially considering it was crucial to their paths to the final. Nole had been above 75% effectiveness with his first serve throughout the week, while Mensik surpassed 80% in the tournament.

The Czech player came in more focused, starting strong with a winning streak, breaking Djokovic and going up 3-0. This lead seemed large, especially as Djokovic struggled to break his opponent's serve. The Serbian finally got his first break chance in the 7th game, leveling things up in a critical moment of the set.

The good service games continued throughout the rest of the set, with Mensik hitting 66% of first serves and winning 84% of them, while Djokovic served 79% first serves and won 73%. The set went to a tie-break, a situation Mensik thrives in with an impressive career record.

In one of the best points of the match, Mensik earned the first mini-break with a backhand smash. The Czech took a commanding 5-0 lead, and although Djokovic mounted a small comeback, the 19-year-old finished the set 7-6[7-4], further improving his remarkable tie-break record (55-14).

At the start of the second set, Djokovic showed better things with his serve, winning his first service games comfortably. With the score at 2-2, Nole faced two break points but managed to fight them off with poise. On the other side, the Czech again showed the cool-headed mentality he is known for, hitting crucial first serves under pressure (15-30 or 30-30), even scoring several aces during the toughest moments.

Until 5-5, neither player faced major difficulties, with several long rallies where Mensik showed great character, going after the points and keeping the match even against the 24-time Grand Slam champion. A couple of aces allowed Mensik to send the match to a tie-break, where once again, an early mini-break gave him the advantage as Djokovic started making mistakes.

The Czech finished the job when it mattered, and with enviable mentality for a 19-year-old, he sealed the victory against the former world No.1, winning 7-6(4), 7-6(4) in a match where Djokovic exited the court visibly exhausted.

Mensik claims his first career title and guarantees his best ranking so far as world No. 24. Djokovic, on the other hand, remains on 99 titles for now and will stay at world No. 5 starting Monday. Reaching the final also allowed him to rise to 4th place in the ATP Race, pushing Carlos Alcaraz down to 5th. He now sits just behind Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Jack Draper.