Mensik downs Novak to claim his first ATP tour title – Novak Djokovic

Nole fell in need of a milestone a hundredth title in Miami remaining.

NextGen ATP star Jakub Mensik upset his childhood idol and six-time Miami Open champion Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) to win his maiden tour-level title.

The 19-year-old Czech confirmed distinctive ability and nice composure in the important thing factors to win his first ATP title and maintain the Serbian ace from profitable the elusive a hundredth tour trophy.

Competing in his sixtieth Masters 1000 remaining, Nole was seeking to be part of Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the one males within the Open period with 100 or extra profession titles, however the proficient Mensik rose to the event to play the match of his life, producing an excellent serving efficiency. He was the calmer participant underneath stress, profitable each tie-breaks.

“That is Jakub’s second — second of his workforce, second of his household. Congratulations, unbelievable match,” Djokovic stated. “It hurts me to confess it, however you had been higher! Within the clutch moments, you delivered the products with unbelievable serving and only a phenomenal effort mentally as effectively to remain powerful in a tough second.”

Match stats: aces (7-14), double faults (1-1), winners (22-29), unforced errors (17-19), complete factors gained (76-76).

The 24-time Grand Slam titlist will open his clay courtroom season marketing campaign on the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (April 6-13) the place he’s lifted the championship twice (2013 and 2015).

Final 12 months Casper Ruud stopped Novak within the semi-finals.

Photograph: Profimedia