Mensik, Reaches Miami Final: "It's an Incredible Feeling"

Jakub Mensik has advanced to the Miami Masters 1000 final. After victories over Bautista Agut, Draper, Safiullin, Machac (via walkover), and Fils, the 19-year-old Czech defeated Taylor Fritz (7-6, 4-6, 7-6) in the semifinals and will now face Novak Djokovic in an attempt to claim the first title of his young ATP career.

On the court after his win, Mensik reflected on the match and looked ahead to Sunday’s final against the Serbian legend, who will be competing for his 100th professional title.

"It was tough returning serve today. Both of us served really well, and he didn’t give me a chance to break him. The tie-breaks ended up being decisive for me.

In the end, I think the best I played was in the tie-breaks. It’s an incredible feeling. For me, it was a dream to play against Novak (Djokovic) last year in Shanghai (the Serb won in three sets in the quarterfinals). Now, it’s a bit different.

I’m a better player now, I’ll enjoy it, and it’s going to be really exciting. Let’s see what happens on Sunday," Mensik said after his win over the world No. 4, as reported by ATP media.