Novak Djokovic has admitted he didn't feel 'quite right' as he lost to Jakub Mensik in the final of the Miami Open in the early hours of Monday morning.
The Serb had gone into the showdown hoping to win a 100th pro title off his career, a feat only Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors have done in the past.
Yet that didn't happen, with Djokovic stunned as Mensik won 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4) to secure glory.
After the match, speaking on the court, the former world No 1 showed class by congratulating his opponent.
“I don’t want to talk too much," said the 37-year-old.
“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.
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"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.”
During the showdown, Djokovic appeared to struggle with his eye.
In his post-match press conference, the 24-time Grand Slam winner admitted he didn't feel 'quite right' - while continuing to praise Mensik for his victory.
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"It's never pleasant to lose, but I have to say that Jakub is one of the few players against whom I am most joyful to fall in a final, to be honest,” he said.
“I met him when he was 15 or 16 years old and invited him to train together in Belgrade. Seeing his evolution is fantastic.
"Three or four years ago, I already predicted that he would become one of the best in the world, so I am very happy that he is harnessing his potential.
"It was a strange match, I didn't feel quite right at any moment.
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"There is nothing that can detract from Mensik's victory, so I prefer not to talk about certain things... I don't want it to seem like I am justifying my defeat – it is the same for both players, and you have to accept all circumstances.
“I leave with a sour taste for losing the final, but I have regained good feelings both on and off the court.
"I am very grateful for the support received and have enjoyed the experience, besides playing well all week, except for today.”
As for Mensik, the 19-year-old was overwhelmed after his win.
He told Djokovic: “When I was young I started to play tennis because of you.
“There is no harder task in tennis than to beat him in the finals. But of course I felt really great and it’s my time, so I just tried to focus on the match like I did before in previous rounds.”
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The Serb had gone into the showdown hoping to win a 100th pro title off his career, a feat only Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors have done in the past.
Yet that didn't happen, with Djokovic stunned as Mensik won 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4) to secure glory.
After the match, speaking on the court, the former world No 1 showed class by congratulating his opponent.
“I don’t want to talk too much," said the 37-year-old.
“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.
JUST IN: Wayne Rooney spotted urinating in public as police respond to incident after London night out
"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.”
During the showdown, Djokovic appeared to struggle with his eye.
In his post-match press conference, the 24-time Grand Slam winner admitted he didn't feel 'quite right' - while continuing to praise Mensik for his victory.
READ MORE: Michael Schumacher and the saddest health updates on F1 icon nearly 12 years on from tragic skiing accident
The Student Becomes The Master(s) Champion
The moment @mensik_jakub_ completed his 7-6 7-6 victory over Novak Djokovic! #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/GDqFHrvsPB
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 31, 2025
"It's never pleasant to lose, but I have to say that Jakub is one of the few players against whom I am most joyful to fall in a final, to be honest,” he said.
“I met him when he was 15 or 16 years old and invited him to train together in Belgrade. Seeing his evolution is fantastic.
"Three or four years ago, I already predicted that he would become one of the best in the world, so I am very happy that he is harnessing his potential.
"It was a strange match, I didn't feel quite right at any moment.
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"There is nothing that can detract from Mensik's victory, so I prefer not to talk about certain things... I don't want it to seem like I am justifying my defeat – it is the same for both players, and you have to accept all circumstances.
“I leave with a sour taste for losing the final, but I have regained good feelings both on and off the court.
"I am very grateful for the support received and have enjoyed the experience, besides playing well all week, except for today.”
As for Mensik, the 19-year-old was overwhelmed after his win.
He told Djokovic: “When I was young I started to play tennis because of you.
“There is no harder task in tennis than to beat him in the finals. But of course I felt really great and it’s my time, so I just tried to focus on the match like I did before in previous rounds.”
Find Out More...