Novak Djokovic, a Czech teenager, won the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium in straight sets 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4), both decided by tiebreaks, 7-6 (7/4).
Djokovic’s 100th professional title was denied by the 19-year-old, who is 54th overall in the world.
Djokovic, 37, was hoping to become the only men with 100 or more career titles, including Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, but he was unable to match the teenager’s quickness and creative play.
Due to heavy rain, the Sunday final was delayed by almost six hours, and it was obvious that Djokovic had an eye infection when the players arrived.
Mensik made a strong first-serve start, breaking Djokovic’s lead of 2-0. The tall, big-serving Czech held the lead until Mensik found the net to break Djokovic’s lead at 4-2.
From that point on, the set was still in play, but Mensik’s powerful serve, with two aces, immediately took the lead in the tie-break. Although Djokovic fought back, he gave up the set with an overhead volley, sealing it with him.
Djokovic lost his first set of the tournament overall.
No one was able to break during the second set, which was a nip-and-tuck affair.
Mensik’s strength once more proved decisive in the tie-break, and when Djokovic slammed for a return to win, he fell to his back.
One for all time
The 37-year-old Djokovic and Mensik matchup marked the biggest age difference since 1976 and the biggest age difference in a Masters 1000 final. Mensik was competing in his first ATP 1000 final. When Djokovic won his first Miami Open title in 2007, he was just two years old.
The only time they have met on court was at the Shanghai Masters in October, when Mensik defeated Djokovic in straight sets.
Novak Djokovic is my tennis inspiration. I started playing tennis because of him. He’s my “biggest idol,” Mensik said last year in an interview with the ATP Tour.
In his distinguished career, Djokovic won 99 of the 307 ATP Tour-level competitions. The Serbian has won a men’s record 24 of his 76 Grand Slams.
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