The Miami Open is sizzling with fresh talent! As the Masters 1000 event nears its climax, fans have witnessed thrilling victories and shocking exits. One standout is Czech sensation Jakub Mensik. This 19-year-old turned pro in 2022 and has been rising through the ranks. Currently ranked No. 46, Mensik has taken down big names like Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev. Now, he’s heading into the quarterfinals in Miami, catching the eye of renowned coach Rick Macci.
On Tuesday, Tomas Machac withdrew from the Miami Open due to illness, allowing fellow Czech Jakub Mensik to advance to the quarterfinals. Although it would have been exciting to see an all-Czech match, this gives the 19-year-old a chance to prove his skills even further! Mensik previously defeated Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut (6-4, 3-6, 6-1) and No. 6 seed Jack Draper (7-6 (2), 7-6 (3)). This boosted his season record to 11-6, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. Mensik now stands at No. 46 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and could break into the Top 35 if he reaches the semifinals.
Mensik’s rise has caught the attention of Rick Macci, who famously coached Serena Williams at age nine. Macci took to X on March 26 to share his thoughts: “Top twenty is around the corner for Mensik. Highest ranked teenager on tour at number 46. He does not get the hype glitz and Glamour but off both wings this kid is the Real Deal and can Hammer.” Could Macci be right?
Mensik’s journey from the neighborhood courts of Prostejov, Czechia, to the big stages of the ATP Tour is truly inspiring. He began playing tennis at the age of four and was hooked from the start. His hometown, famous for its tennis culture, now boasts an even bigger footprint thanks to Mensik’s rise. He made it to the third round of the 2023 US Open as a qualifier, becoming the youngest player to reach that stage at a Major since Rafael Nadal at the 2004 Australian Open. Now, the 19-year-old is the sixth teenager to reach the Miami quarterfinals since 2010, joining an elite group that includes Alexander Zverev, Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz. All five of these players have cracked the Top 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Last year, Jakub achieved one of his biggest goals by qualifying for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF for the first time. Although he didn’t win the trophy, he wasn’t shy about sharing his admiration for the sport, which keeps him motivated!
What’s your perspective on: Is Jakub Mensik the next big thing in tennis, or just another fleeting sensation? Have an interesting take? Jakub gets candid about the top players that inspire him.
Jakub Mensik’s 2024 season was nothing short of phenomenal. At just 18, he made history by becoming the first player born in 2005 or later to reach a tour-level final. This remarkable feat happened at the Qatar Open in February, where he defeated tennis legends Andy Murray, Andrey Rublev, and Gael Monfils. Although he was edged out by Karen Khachanov in the final, Mensik’s breakout performance catapulted him into the Top 100 of the PIF ATP Rankings. Reflecting on this moment, Mensik shared with the ATP Tour website, “That was amazing. It’s a really good feeling that in this young age I can compete with the best players… All these small details, all these small things and experiences are pushing me higher in my career.”
However, he’s far from satisfied. He emphasized, “Tennis is improving every year, every season, so it’s very important to try to be better than the generation before us.” Drawing inspiration from past Next Gen ATP Finals champions like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz, Mensik added, “Tennis fans like new blood… They want to know who is coming next.” With his powerful serve and all-court playing style, he’s set to face even tougher challenges ahead.
Now he’s set to face his next opponent, the winner of the match between German Alexander Zverev, the top seed, and Frenchman Arthur Fils, the No. 17 seed, in the next round at the 2025 Miami Open. Will he keep up the winning streak and set a new milestone along the way?
On March 27, 2025, Mensik will face Arthur Fils at the ATP Miami tournament. The match is highly anticipated, as both players are looking to make their mark in this prestigious event.
Mensik's recent performance against Jack Draper was particularly impressive. He defeated the Indian Wells champion in a straight sets victory amid chaotic scenes at the Miami Open. Draper, who was aiming to complete the coveted 'Sunshine Double,' was toppled by a blizzard of blistering winners from Mensik, who landed 21 aces in a match that saw two tightly contested tie-breaks.
Despite the distractions caused by a mass exodus of Brazilian fans during the match, Mensik maintained his focus and rhythm, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. Draper acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, “I didn’t really know what was going on at first... I can understand their frustration.” However, Mensik's performance shone through, as he proved to be the better player on the day.
As the Miami Open progresses, the spotlight continues to shine brightly on Jakub Mensik. His journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in tennis. With each match, he not only aims to advance in the tournament but also to inspire a new generation of players.
The 2025 Miami Open is shaping up to be a memorable event, with rising stars like Mensik taking center stage. Fans are eager to see how far he can go and whether he can achieve even greater heights in the world of tennis.
