Can we expect something similar when they meet in the Miami final on Sunday? In Shanghai, Djokovic was also going for his 100th career title; he fell one match short, losing to Jannik Sinner in the final. Six months later, he’s still going for his 100th title. He may be getting a little desperate. His 38th birthday is coming up, he doesn’t make finals whenever he wants anymore, and this will be a chance to win one without having to face a Top 10, or even a Top 50, opponent.
Yet Mensik, while he’s only 54th in the world right now, may prove to be as formidable an obstacle as anyone on tour at the moment. As Djokovic recognized years ago, the 6-foot-4 Czech has Top 10 talent, and it has begun to show in Miami. He has reached his Masters 1000 final, and beaten Taylor Fritz, Jack Draper, and Arthur Fils along the way. His serve has been the best shot in the tournament; with his ultra-smooth motion, he can seemingly drop the ball on a dime. Even Djokovic’s legendary return won’t be a match for 130-mph serves that clip the lines.
The issue for Djokovic may be physical—“Can I still keep up with someone half my age, at the end of a long event?” The issue for Mensik may be mental—“Can I beat my idol, on this type of stage, and deny him his 100th title?”
Read more: Jakub Mensik joins new wave of rising ATP stars in Miami
