Czech Wall Comes in the Way of Djokovic's 100th Title

Czech teenager Jakub Mensik upset childhood idol Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4), both decided by tiebreaks, to win the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
 

The 19-year-old, ranked 54th in the world, claimed his first title on the ATP Tour and denied Djokovic his 100th professional title.

Djokovic (37) had hoped to join Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only men in the Open Era with 100 or more career titles but could not match the teenager’s speed and creative play.

The Sunday final was delayed by almost six hours due to heavy rain, and when the players emerged, it was clear that Djokovic had an eye infection.

Mensik started strongly, breaking Djokovic’s first-serve game to go 2-0 up. The tall, big-serving Czech was dominating until, at 4-2, Djokovic broke back when Mensik found the net.

The set remained on serve from then on but in the tie-break, Mensik’s powerful serve, with two aces, put him in charge from the outset. He opened up a 5-0 lead and although Djokovic fought back, the youngster sealed the set with an overhead volley.

It was the first set that Djokovic had lost in the entire tournament.