Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Mensik Credits Messi Magic Ahead of Miami Open Final Clash with Djokovic
Rising Czech tennis star Jakub Mensik has advanced to the Miami Open final, attributing his semi-final victory over American player Taylor Fritz to an unexpected source of inspiration: football icon Lionel Messi. Mensik secured his place in his first ATP Masters 1000 final against Novak Djokovic after a hard-fought match decided by a third-set tiebreaker, where he delivered an impressive 25 aces.
Messi’s Courtside Presence and Pre-Match Encounter
Football legend Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami in MLS, was a notable spectator at the Hard Rock Stadium. Television cameras captured Messi watching the matches and interacting with the 19-year-old Mensik prior to his semi-final contest.
Humorous Handshake Claim and Post-Match Dedication
In a lighthearted moment during his on-court interview, Mensik jokingly suggested that shaking hands with Messi and intentionally not washing his hand afterwards was the “key” to his triumph over Fritz. The young player stated, “I shook his hand. I was kind of chilling with him a bit so I didn’t wash my hand before stepping on court. That was the key for today.”
Mensik also expressed his gratitude to the Argentinian forward by writing “Thx Leo” with a heart on the camera lens after his demanding victory against Fritz, much to the delight of the crowd.
Anticipation Builds for Djokovic Showdown
Following his nearly two-and-a-half-hour semi-final against Fritz, Mensik shared his thoughts on facing Djokovic. He previously encountered Djokovic in Shanghai, where he was defeated 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4.
Mensik’s Excitement and Improved Form
“It feels incredible,” Mensik commented regarding the upcoming match against Djokovic. “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 it and it’s going to be really exciting. Let’s see what’s going to happen Sunday.”
Djokovic’s Confidence and Miami Dominance
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, who swiftly defeated Grigor Dimitrov in just 69 minutes earlier the same day, expressed confidence in his current form, stating he feels in peak condition for competition since last summer.
Djokovic’s Optimistic Outlook
Speaking to Sky Sports, Djokovic remarked, “It feels great. I didn’t think I would beat my percentage of first serves from the past match, but I did and that makes life easier on the court.”
“It was tricky out there today, the wind was swirling around and not consistent, but I have not dropped a set in this tournament and I feel as good as I have since the Olympics last year.”
Chasing History in Miami
Djokovic was Mensik’s current age when he secured his first Miami Open title in 2007. This Sunday, he aims to capture his 100th career title in Florida.
Djokovic’s Miami Record and Milestone
- Djokovic is vying for a record seventh Miami Open title.
- This would be his first Miami title with Andy Murray as part of his coaching team.
Mensik will be hoping that Lionel Messi can offer further good fortune as he seeks to defy expectations and overcome Djokovic in the Miami Open final.