"Are you stalking me on Instagram or what?": Jakub Mensik hilariously calls out US Open interviewer

Jakub Mensik has never shied away from a challenge, and his first-round performance at the 2025 US Open was a testament to that resilience. The young Czech star faced a fiercely competitive opponent in Nicolas Jarry and prevailed 7-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Speaking after the US Open opener on court, Mensik reflected on the key moments that shaped the outcome. “First matches are always tough, especially playing best of five,” he said on court. “There were plenty of key moments during the match. I’m grateful that I stayed focused the whole time. The end of the tiebreak in the first set was very important for me, so I took a lot of confidence into the second and third sets. Niko is a great hitter, a great champion, and he fought until the end, so I’m happy that I made it through the third set.”

Indeed, it was moments like these, the nerve-testing points at the end of the tiebreak and defending crucial break points in the third set that showcased Mensik’s mental toughness. His ability to maintain focus under pressure is becoming a hallmark of his game and a reason why tennis fans across the globe are watching his rise with growing excitement.

Mensik’s season so far has been nothing short of remarkable. Earlier this year, he captured his first Masters 1000 title in Miami, a victory that included a stunning win over Novak Djokovic in the final. Alongside this triumph, he reached a career-high ranking of 16th in the world. When asked about his confidence heading into New York, Mensik remained thoughtful and grounded.

“That’s already in the past for me,” he explained. “The season has been going amazing so far, and I’m happy that I can show my best tennis in all of the tournaments. I’m grateful to be here again in New York City at my favorite tournament. Thank you to everyone for the support today. I hope to see you in the next round.”

Off the court, Mensik has been making the most of his time in New York. Known for his love of the city, he has enjoyed exploring its vibrant streets, from Fifth Avenue to Times Square, and even indulged in some sushi outings with his girlfriend. When asked if he was stalking the interviewer on Instagram, he laughed: “Are you stalking me on Instagram or what? No, well yeah, last week—or I mean this week—we had plenty of free time. It’s always good to visit something other than the tennis courts. In New York, there are so many places to see, and I enjoyed my time. But now it’s back to being focused on the tournament.”

It’s clear that Mensik is thriving both on and off the court. His ability to balance the intensity of professional tennis with the simple joys of life outside the sport speaks to his maturity and grounded nature—a quality that makes him not only a formidable competitor but also a fan favorite.