Jakub Mensik's impressive Miami record puts him at the top of the ATP 1000 rankings

At just 19 years old, Jakub Mensik pulled off the biggest win of his young career, stunning Novak Djokovic in straight sets to claim the 2025 Miami Open title. The Czech prodigy defeated the 24-time Grand Slam champion 7-6(4), 7-6(4) in the final, completing a dream run that showcased his remarkable composure and clutch serving under pressure.

Mensik's title run was defined by his dominance in tiebreaks. He played—and won—all seven tiebreaks during the tournament, an incredible feat not seen since John Isner’s Miami title in 2018, and even surpassing it in terms of perfection. Not once did Mensik face a set point in any of those tiebreaks, cementing his status as one of the most mentally resilient young players on tour.

Sunshine Double Shines a Light on the Next Generation

The 2025 edition of the Sunshine Double—Indian Wells followed by Miami—served as a breakthrough stage for two of the ATP’s brightest rising stars. Britain's Jack Draper stormed to the Indian Wells title and broke into the world’s top 10 for the first time, while Mensik followed suit in Florida, lifting his maiden ATP Masters 1000 trophy in what was also his first final at this level.

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Tough Road, Ice-Cold Nerves

Mensik’s path to the title was far from straightforward. After a routine win over Roberto Bautista Agut in the opening round, he faced a stern test against Roman Safiullin in the third round, which he passed with a composed 6-4, 6-4 win—the only match in Miami that did not feature a tiebreak for him.

In the second round, Mensik faced a major challenge in the form of Jack Draper, who had just captured the Indian Wells title. But the Czech star rose to the occasion, outlasting Draper 7-6(2), 7-6(3), and showcasing the mental strength that would become the hallmark of his tournament.

After receiving a walkover in the fourth round due to fellow Czech Tomas Machac's withdrawal, Mensik advanced to the quarterfinals, where he faced World No. 17 Arthur Fils in a rematch of their clash at the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals. This time, Mensik turned the tables. After edging the first set in a tight tiebreak 7-6(5), he rolled through the second 6-1 to book his place in his first Masters 1000 semifinal.

Perhaps the most impressive element of Mensik’s game in Miami was his serve. He saved 17 of 19 break points throughout the event, repeatedly escaping trouble with big first serves and clever placement. His ability to absorb pressure and flip the momentum in crucial moments was pivotal.

A Battle of Nerves Against Fritz

In the semifinals, Mensik met World No. 4 Taylor Fritz, the top-ranked American and crowd favorite. Over the course of nearly two and a half hours, Mensik once again relied on his tiebreak prowess, winning the first and third sets in breakers—both 7-6(4)—to overcome a gritty challenge. Despite Fritz not dropping serve in the match, the Czech teenager found a way to come through in the clutch, 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4).

The Final: Generational Clash with a Legend

The Miami Open final was billed as a classic generational showdown: the experienced and dominant Novak Djokovic against a fearless newcomer playing the biggest match of his life.

Mensik came out swinging, racing to a 3-0 lead before Djokovic steadied himself. The Serb forced a tiebreak, but Mensik remained unshaken, losing just one point on serve en route to taking the first set 7-6(4). The second set was similarly tight, with neither player giving an inch. But once again, Mensik’s serve proved the difference. He won 70% of his first-serve points and 69% on second serve, and when the tiebreak arrived, he absorbed Djokovic’s pressure and mistakes to seal a historic 7-6(4), 7-6(4) victory.

A New Force Emerges

With this victory, Mensik becomes the youngest Miami Open champion since Carlos Alcaraz in 2022 and stakes his claim as a genuine force in men’s tennis. His ability to win all seven tiebreaks he played in the tournament not only showcases his nerves of steel, but also breaks a long-standing record set by John Isner, who won four tiebreaks en route to his 2018 Miami title.

Mensik now stands at the forefront of the ATP’s next generation—a player with the power, poise, and mentality to challenge the very best. As the tour now shifts to clay, all eyes will be on the Czech teenager to see whether he can continue this incredible momentum on a surface that demands yet another layer of adaptability and resilience.

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