Djokovic salutes Mensik after losing to the Czech teenager: “It hurts me to admit it but you were better”

Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer... the exclusive club of 100 titles still awaits Novak Djokovic, who will have to remain patient for a little longer after suffering an unexpected loss in the Miami Masters 1000 final to a young and inexperienced yet immensely talented Czech player, Jakub Mensik, just 19 years old.

Despite the tremendous disappointment, Djokovic once again displayed outstanding sportsmanship and grace in defeat, taking a moment courtside to praise Mensik’s remarkable abilities.

He said, “I don’t want to talk too much. This is Jakub’s moment… and a moment for his team and family. Congratulations. Unbelievable tournament. First of many. It hurts me to admit it but you were better. In the clutch moments you delivered the goods. Unbelievable serving. Just a Phenomenal effort mentally to stay in the difficult moments. For a young player like yourself this is a great feature. Something you’ll use many times in the years to follow. I wish you the best of luck. Maybe you’ll let me win one of the next times we play!”

No excuses, just more praise for Mensik

In his post-game press conference, the Serbian player refused to make excuses or address his physical condition, which had raised doubts just hours before the final when he appeared at the tournament facilities with a visibly swollen eye.

He remarked, “Nothing can diminish Mensik’s victory, so I prefer not to discuss certain things... I really prefer not to talk about… there’s quite a few things, but I prefer not to… just congratulate him, that’s it. I don’t wanna sound like I’m gonna getting excuses here for my loss. I don’t want to get into details, but it is what it is. It’s the same for both players, you have to accept the circumstances. I tried to make the most out of what I had, or what I was facing, but yeah, it was quite different from any other day of the tournament for me".

Djokovic appreciates warm welcome in Miami

“Miami, as I said on the court, really brought me a lot of joy and really good sensations on and off the court. I was very welcomed very nicely by people and supported incredible again tonight, great support from the stadium. In the match they were pushing me on and trying to give me strength for a comeback. Very grateful, just enjoyed my experience overall, it was an amazing run. Unfortunately ended with a loss in the finals, but I played some really good tennis up to today,” Nole concluded.

Djokovic had been poised to claim his 100th title last season, but his momentum was halted after earning Olympic gold in Paris. He had another chance at the Shanghai Masters but lost in the final. This year, he came close again in Miami and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open. The elusive “Club of 100” continues to resist him—for now.

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