Preview ATP Miami Open Final: Novak Djokovic's quest for record 100th title, challenged by 19-year-old Jakub Mensik

Novak Djokovic and Jakub Mensik to face off in an unexpected final this Sunday for the Miami Open title. It will be the final with the largest age gap between the two players, with over 18 years between the teenager Mensik (19-year-old) and the experienced Novak Djokovic (37-year-old).

The Czech has had an impeccable run – defeating rivals such as Jack Draper (No. 6) and Taylor Fritz (No. 4). This time, he’ll be looking for the biggest win of his career against the 40-time Masters 1000 champion, who has yet to drop a set and recently defeated Grigor Dimitrov.

Djokovic looks to be in a renewed level of form, with an impeccable run, still not dropping a set. The Serbian passed through the early rounds against Rinky Hijikata (No. 86) by 6-0, 7-6(1) and lucky loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli (No. 65) by 6-1, 7-6(1).

In the third round, he faced 15th seed Lorenzo Musetti, crushing him 6-2, 6-2; in the quarterfinals, he overcame Sebastian Korda (24th seed) by 6-3, 7-6(4), and in the semifinals, he dominated Grigor Dimitrov (14th) by 6-2, 6-3. The Serbian has been impeccable with his serve – being broken only three times – and has maintained an 80% first serve effectiveness throughout the tournament.

Nole will have extra motivation in search of his 100th title and to break the record for the most titles at the Miami Open, where he would claim his 7th trophy, surpassing Roger Federer. The Serbian became the oldest Masters 1000 finalist at 37 years and 10 months, surpassing Roger Federer’s record.

Djokovic has a 49-7 (87.5%) record at the Miami Open, having won six titles and reached the final in 2009, losing to his current coach Andy Murray.

The Czech began the tournament with a hard-fought victory against former world No. 9 Roberto Bautista Agut (6-4, 3-6, 6-1), while in the second round, he pulled off a major upset by ending the winning streak of world No. 6 Jack Draper, the Indian Wells champion just a week earlier, with a 7-6(2), 7-6(3) victory.

He then defeated Roman Safiulin (No. 71) and later benefited from the retirement of his compatriot Tomas Machac (No. 21) to reach the quarterfinals, where he triumphed over Arthur Fils (17th) by 7-6(5), 6-1. In the semifinals, he survived a tight contest against Taylor Fritz (No. 4) by 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4).

Against Fritz, his serve was crucial, delivering 25 aces and winning 82% of points on his first serve, key stats for achieving the best win of his career. The Czech is known for his ability to keep a cool head and push through critical moments. He boasts an impressive 54-14 record in tie-breaks, an area where Djokovic is also an expert, and it’s highly likely that one of the sets will reach a tie-break, given the level of both players.

They have only faced each other once before, back at the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals, where the Czech managed to take a set off Djokovic, but the Serbian secured the win 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4. This match was another example of Mensik's ability to handle tie-breaks.

Mensik is much more than just a good server, with a complete game. He has great speed at the baseline, which allows him to extend rallies effortlessly and force his opponents into errors, in addition to approaching the net several times under pressure.

The teenager is always looking to turn and strike with his forehand, and his backhand seems to be his most vulnerable point, something that Djokovic can exploit and which could prove crucial in the match. Maintaining consistency in his serve will be key for Mensik against an opponent who makes far fewer mistakes than Fritz and who gains greater advantages in long rallies.

When Djokovic is inspired, he is virtually unbeatable, and after a great tournament, he will have extra motivation in his pursuit of his 100th title. Experience is always important when it comes to finals, and that's where Nole is unsurpassed. With his high serve effectiveness this week, the Serbian appears to be the favorite, especially because of his experience, even though Mensik has shown he has the tools to beat anyone.