"It's going to depend on that": Taylor Fritz sees Jakub Mensik having chance against Novak Djokovic under one condition
ATP
America’s Taylor Fritz believes that the Czech Republic’s young tennis star, Jakub Mensik, will have a serious opportunity to beat Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the final of the Miami Open. The 19-year-old arguably registered
the biggest win of his career as he defeated the 2024 US Open runner-up in the
last-four clash with a score of 7-6, 4-6, 7-6.
With that win, the youngster set up the final against the
former world number one Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, who cemented his spot in the
last two after beating Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in the semifinal in straight
sets with a score of 6-2, 6-3.
Fritz, who came into the last-four contest as firm favourite
but ended on the losing night, was quoted in a report by ATP’s official website
where he predicted that Mensik will have a real opportunity to claim his
first-ever ATP 1000 title when he will take the court on Sunday against arguably
the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category.
Fritz also stated that a lot will depend on the ‘conditions’.
"If the conditions are fast enough and he's serving
well enough, he's always going to be in the match," said Fritz about
Mensik’s chances in the final. "It's going to be tight. He's going to have
a solid chance. I'm not sure because I couldn't return a serve, that doesn't
mean that Novak is not going to be able to return a serve. It's going to depend
on that."
Read also
Talking after the match, Mensik stated that it feels ‘incredible’
to cement a spot in the final of the mega-event and facing a legendary player
like Djokovic. “It feels incredible,” he said. “It was a dream to play against
him in Shanghai. For now it’s a bit different. I am a better player now and I’m
going to enjoy and it’s going to be really exciting. Let’s see what’s going to
happen Sunday.”
It will be only the second meeting between the two players
in professional tennis. In the only previous meeting, which was in the
quarterfinal of the Shanghai Masters last year, it was Djokovic who came out on
top with a score of 6-7, 6-1, 6-4.
Jakub Mensik signs the camera for Leo Messi after beating Fritz to reach Miami final
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 29, 2025
“Thx Leo ❤️” pic.twitter.com/4zNdhtYZD7
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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