Jakub Mensik credited a special moment with football icon Lionel Messi as the spark that propelled him to a surprise semi-final victory at the Miami Open. The 19-year-old Czech tennis sensation reached his first Masters 1000 final by outplaying Taylor Fritz in a thrilling encounter. However, it wasn’t just his on-court skills that got him the win—Mensik revealed that a handshake with Messi, ahead of the match, played a key role in his success.
Messi, the global football legend who now plays for Inter Miami, located just 20 miles from the Miami Open, met with Mensik before the match. The tennis player, visibly starstruck, shared that he didn’t wash his hand after shaking hands with the Argentinian star. “Meeting this legend, not even a human, it’s not happening every day,” Mensik reflected on the memorable encounter. “I was shaking his hand… kind of chilling with him a little bit. I didn’t wash my hand before I stepped on the court, and probably that was the key for today.”
The meeting clearly left a significant impression on Mensik, and after securing his victory, he expressed his gratitude by writing “Thx Leo” on the camera lens, a small but meaningful tribute to the footballer.
Now, standing between Mensik and his first-ever Masters 1000 title is none other than Novak Djokovic, a player Mensik has long admired. Although the two have faced off once before, with Djokovic coming out on top, Mensik is not just aiming to participate—he’s determined to win. Reflecting on their previous encounter in 2024 in Shanghai, he said, “I am a completely different player from that match. I remember being very nervous when I stepped onto the court because I wasn’t mentally mature. I don’t doubt I will feel nerves on Sunday, but I believe I will handle them much better. Back then, I went out to enjoy the experience, but now I am here to win.”
Mensik expressed confidence in his ability to handle pressure, which has been a key factor in his success this season, especially in tiebreaks. “I believe one of my greatest virtues is how I handle pressure moments in matches. I can stay calm, focused, and play my best tennis. That’s why I’m winning so many tiebreaks this year,” he added. Now, with a better understanding of the tour and a heightened sense of self-belief, Mensik feels he’s constantly improving. “Now I understand how the circuit works, I have confidence in my abilities, and I feel that I am becoming a better tennis player every day.”
For Djokovic, the Miami Open final presents an opportunity to make history. If he wins, he will become the oldest player to win a Masters 1000 title and also secure his 100th ATP title. Reflecting on this milestone, Djokovic shared that his quest for a 100th title has been on his mind since claiming his 99th at the 2024 Olympic Games. “Ever since I won my 99th [title], which was the Olympic Games in Paris, I’ve been playing with the prospect of winning the special 100 titles,” Djokovic said. “I’ve been trying to find that necessary and much-needed level of tennis that will put me in a position to fight for a trophy, a big trophy.”
This week, Djokovic has been pleased with his preparation and his flawless performances, having yet to drop a set. “I’ve been very happy with the way I prepared for the tournament, the way I’ve been playing. I haven’t dropped a set,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity. Let’s see what happens.”
Like Mensik, Djokovic also received a visit from Messi during the tournament, which left the Serbian star feeling a bit starstruck. “It’s a great honour to have King Leo in the stands. I think it’s the first time I’ve played in front of Messi, and honestly, I was a little nervous,” Djokovic confessed. “I am very grateful for his attendance with his family. I have always been a fan of him, as most of the world has, throughout his career.”
As the two prepare for their showdown in the final, both Mensik and Djokovic are drawing inspiration from Messi in their own ways, each with a unique set of motivations and aspirations.