Renowned tennis guru Rick Macci has showered praise on young Czech sensation Jakub Mensik following the teenager’s historic run at the 2025 Miami Open. Macci, whose coaching résumé boasts a constellation of tennis greats, expressed immense admiration for Mensik’s all-around game and predicted a rapid climb up the ATP ladder after the Czech’s headline-grabbing breakthrough.
Mensik, just 19, captured his first-ever ATP title in dramatic fashion by stunning his idol Novak Djokovic in straight sets—7-6(4), 7-6(4)—in the Miami Open final. The victory not only etched his name among elite company as only the fourth player to secure a maiden ATP title at the Masters 1000 level, but also marked a coming-of-age moment on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
Rocketing from world No. 54 to a new personal best of No. 24, Mensik’s Miami masterclass saw him notch three wins over top 10 opposition—Djokovic, Jack Draper, and Taylor Fritz—proving that his performance was no fluke. His record now stands at an impressive 8-3 against top 10 players, boasting a 72.7% win rate that underscores his growing stature among the ATP elite.
Mensik’s triumph places him as the second-youngest Miami Open champion in history, trailing only Carlos Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam winner whose meteoric rise has become a benchmark for this next generation.
Macci, never one to mince words when it comes to emerging talent, took to social media platform X to share his thoughts, particularly zeroing in on Mensik’s powerful service game—a key weapon throughout his Miami campaign.
“He already has a very special complete game and his serve is already hitting spots at the key moments with 130 mph juice,” he wrote.
Drawing on his typical blend of technical insight and flair, Macci added:
“Everybody can pop it. But can you deliver the mail on time at the right time? The Czech checks that SERVICE BOX for sure. Top ten on the horizon.
Huge upside with huge serve. The leg drive innates the racquet at the right time and the angle of descent of serve is coming in with mustard from a launched and elevated 6 ft 4 frame to a spot.”
Macci also suggested that the teen phenom is poised to challenge the current ruling class in men’s tennis, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, both of whom have been dominant forces in recent seasons.
“Jakub will be CZECKING Carlos and Jannik and the top five sooner than later,” Macci stated with a play on words, suggesting Mensik’s ascent may soon shake up the ATP hierarchy.
In another tweet reflecting on the magnitude of Mensik’s final performance, Macci highlighted the psychological leap the youngster took by thriving under pressure.
“When you deliver with QUALITY goods in a final and you are a new kid on the block and most everybody wants your opponent to get the W and you get the L it adds more substance. The CZECH yesterday grew and flew mentally to another level.”
For a coach who has guided legends like Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick to world No. 1 status, Macci’s endorsement carries weight. He’s also helped shape the games of multiple Grand Slam winners including Mary Pierce, Sofia Kenin, Jennifer Capriati, and Anastasia Myskina.
With the Miami Open title now under his belt, Mensik isn’t just making waves—he’s sending shockwaves through the sport. If his Miami magic is a glimpse of what’s to come, the ATP Tour may need to brace itself for a new powerhouse from Prague ready to make his mark at the highest level.