Jakub Mensik hilariously recalls what changed when he faced Novak Djokovic again: “I didn’t puke”
ATP
Jakub Mensik was so nervous the first time he faced Novak Djokovic that winning the opening set was followed by a trip to the bathroom. Months later, when the Czech met his childhood idol again in the Miami Open final, the nerves were still there, but something had clearly changed in the way Mensik approached the biggest match of his young career.
The contrast between those two meetings captures how quickly Mensik has developed. His first match against Djokovic came in Shanghai, where the then-19-year-old was experiencing the reality of playing a player he had watched throughout his childhood. By the time they met again in Miami, Mensik was no longer simply trying to enjoy the occasion — he believed he could beat Djokovic and went into the final expecting to compete for the title.
That mentality has since become a defining part of Mensik's rise. The 21-year-old has already beaten Jannik Sinner, won a Masters 1000 title and reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam, establishing himself as one of the leading young players on the ATP Tour.
Mensik is now ranked No. 14 in the world and recently returned from the Laver Cup in London, where he helped Team Europe defeat Team World 13-5. He lost his singles match to Brandon Nakashima but won both of his doubles matches, partnering Carlos Alcaraz and Flavio Cobolli as Europe reclaimed the title.
The first time Mensik faced his idol
Speaking to former American player Sam Querrey on the Stella Artois ATP Perfect Serve Podcast, Mensik explained just how overwhelming that first meeting with Djokovic had been. It was not simply another quarterfinal for the young Czech. Djokovic had been one of the players he had watched throughout his childhood, and suddenly Mensik was standing across the net from him.
“I was super nervous. When I reached the quarterfinals, I was like, ‘Damn, I'm gonna play Novak.’ When I was starting tennis, he was already winning Slams and being at the top of the tour, and suddenly I had the opportunity to play him."
"I was so nervous that even when I won the first set, I ran to the toilet because I was feeling so bad and I puked. In the second and third sets, he started to play really well and beat me.”
The Shanghai experience may have helped Mensik when the two met again in Miami, but the biggest difference was his mindset. This time, he was still nervous, but he believed he could beat Djokovic and went into the final determined to win.
“I didn’t puke” — then Mensik beat Djokovic
Querrey asked whether the Shanghai experience had helped prepare Mensik for the Miami final. The Czech agreed, but when asked what was actually different the second time, he reduced it to two things.
“Probably it was good preparation in Shanghai for the real deal. Even the second time, I was nervous. But two things were different. I didn't puke, and I went into that final with the mindset of, ‘I'm here in the final, I can beat him, and I'm going to win this match.’”
Mensik also explained the difference between the two occasions. Shanghai had been about fulfilling a childhood dream. Miami was about winning. “In Shanghai, it was more like, ‘The dream came true. Just go enjoy it, take the experience and have fun.’ In Miami, it was more about having a winning mindset, going out there and trying to win the whole thing.”
He eventually did exactly that, beating Djokovic to claim his first Masters 1000 title. The victory helped establish Mensik as more than a promising young player and reinforced his belief that he can compete with the best in the sport.
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That confidence has also carried into his meetings with the current generation. Mensik beat Sinner in Doha earlier this year, and when Querrey asked whether he believes he can eventually beat both Sinner and Alcaraz at their best, his answer was clear.
“Definitely. Since I was a kid, I always wanted to win Slams, and that's still what I'm going for. When Carlos and Jannik are healthy, it's really tough to play them, but I'm getting closer step by step. I'm trying to follow their work and what they're putting in. I proved to myself in Doha that I can play against Jannik.”
For Mensik, the Djokovic story is a useful snapshot of that progression. The first time, the occasion was almost too big to handle. The second time, he walked onto court believing he could beat his childhood idol.
And there was one other, considerably more humorous, sign that things had changed. “I didn't puke.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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