Novak Djokovic: “It is incredible to see the evolution of Jakub” | ATP Tour

Miami

Djokovic: “It’s amazing to see Jakub’s evolution”

The six -time Miami champion values ​​Messik after the final

March 31, 2025

Novak Djokovic suffered a painful defeat on Sunday night against Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final presented by It Itaú. The Serbian had a great opportunity to raise title No. 100 of his career and establish a seven -crowns record in Miami. However, on the other side of the network a young candidate changed all the plans.

Before this game, Djokovic had only lost four times against rivals under 20 years. Despite the coup received, the Balkan was grateful in the defeat, getting rid of praise towards Mesik.

“Congratulations to Messik and his team. I’m never glad to lose, but he is one of the few players with whom it makes me easier,” Djokovic acknowledged. “I have seen him play since he was 15 or 16 years old, I invited him and we made training blocks together. He trained in my Belgrade club, seeing his development and evolution is something fantastic.”

Relive the Miami Open final presented by itaú

Djokovic saw Messik lose the Junior final final of the Australia Open 2022 against Bruno Kuzuhara. The Serbian was impressed by his fighting spirit and his powerful game so, through his agents, he decided to contact the Jakub team to invite the Czech to train by his side.

“At that time – three or four years ago – I could see that it would become one of the best players in the world,” said Djokovic. “I’m glad to see that he is taking advantage of the potential he has, because his game is complete. Obviously his service is incredible, powerful, precise, capable of ensuring many points with the first serve.”

“The reverse is also good. Czech school, they always have a good setback. On the right it has improved a lot. To be such a high guy, slide and move really well. It can still improve, of course. I am sure we will see him succeed.”

According to Djokovic, the current Messik’s physiotherapist worked with him in the past, so he made sense the time they spent together during the early years of the Czech at the ATP Tour. In addition, Jakub has repeated on several occasions the admiration he has always felt for Novak.

Both fought the second duel Lexus ATP Head2head, after measuring themselves in the quarterfinals of Shanghai last season. Djokovic also lost a tiebreak in that duel, but managed to overcome the game. On this occasion, Mesik found the keys to close the victory.

“I think that his level of service has been higher than that of Shanghai, and that then took out quite well,” Djokovic acknowledged. “I think the game was similar, but my level has not been Shanghai.”

The day was complicated in Miami, where the rains delayed the start of the game about six hours. In addition, it was clear from the beginning that Djokovic suffered a problem under his right eye, touching the area and using columus during the side changes. The Serbian did not want to go into details about the matter, without offering any excuse to his defeat.

“So are things. It’s the same for both players. You have to accept circumstances,” said Djokovic. “I have tried to make the most of what I had, what I faced, but it has been a different day to any other day of the tournament for me.”

The positive thing for Djokovic was to recover good sensations after starting the tournament with a balance of 7-4 in the season, according to the Infosys ATP Victorias/losses index. Although the season has just begun, the Serbian amounted to No. 4 of the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin. Novak did not lose a single manga on the way to the final.

“Now I have the bitter feeling of defeat. But Miami, as I said during the speech, has given me very good feelings inside and outside the clues,” said Djokovic. “People have received me with enormous affection and support. Tonight has been sensational again, I received many moods from the stadium in the game. They have tried to give me energy to go back. I feel very grateful. I have enjoyed this experience, it has been a great tournament.”

“Unfortunately, it has ended with a defeat in the final. But I have played a really good tennis until today.”