Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Jakub Mensik’s Miami Open Victory Almost Derailed by Injury
In a dramatic turn of events at the Miami Open, the eventual champion, Jakub Mensik, revealed he had initiated the process to withdraw from the prestigious tournament due to a knee ailment. However, an unforeseen delay – a referee’s scheduled lunch break – prevented him from submitting the necessary paperwork, an incident that inadvertently paved the way for his sensational triumph. The 19-year-old Czech prodigy ultimately achieved a remarkable feat, defeating Novak Djokovic in a captivating contest decided by two tie-breaks, 7-6(4), 7-6(4), on the Florida hardcourts.
Imminent Withdrawal Threatened Mensik’s Tournament
Mensik’s participation in the Miami Open was nearly curtailed before it truly began. Just moments before his opening round match against Roberto Bautista Agut, the young tennis talent experienced significant discomfort in his knee and initially intended to withdraw from the competition.
ATP Physio’s Timely Intervention Proves Decisive
Circumstances took an unexpected turn when the delay, caused by the match official’s absence, allowed Mensik to seek treatment from an ATP Tour physiotherapist. He openly acknowledged the physio’s crucial role, crediting him with performing “miracle” work that enabled him to compete.
“Miracle” Treatment Enables Champion to Compete
In his victory speech, Mensik conveyed his profound appreciation: “A massive thank you to Alejandro, one of the ATP physios. An hour before my first match here, I was holding the withdrawal form, ready to pull out of the tournament because my knee was extremely painful. I was fortunate that the referee was at lunch. This afforded me the time for one final treatment session. He performed a miracle. Because of him, I was able to step onto the court, and because of him, I am standing here today.”
Last-Minute Physio Visit and Treadmill Test
Mensik recounted in the post-match press conference that seeking the physio’s counsel was a hopeful, last-ditch effort. “I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll just visit the physios.’ I told them, ‘My knee is hurting significantly, I’ve completed the withdrawal papers, and I am planning to leave.'” The physiotherapist, after examining Mensik and administering approximately 30 minutes of treatment, offered reassurance. “The physio suggested, ‘Let’s assess it,’ and commenced treatment. He concluded it wasn’t serious and affirmed that I could compete with the pain without risking further damage.”
Pain-Free Running Discovery During Warm-up
During the unexpected interval while awaiting the referee, Mensik decided to evaluate his knee’s condition. He cautiously tested it on a treadmill and was astonished to discover he could run without experiencing any pain whatsoever.
“Truly Suffering” – Mensik Describes Pre-Match Agony
Reflecting on his ordeal, the newly crowned Miami Open champion confessed, “I was genuinely suffering. I opted for a different pain reliever, switched it up slightly, and began to feel a degree of relief. With merely 30 minutes before the match, I thought: ‘I can walk, I can run, let’s see what happens.'”