March 31 – Novak Djokovic fell brief in his bid to assert a one centesimal ATP title following a straight units defeat by Czech teenager Jakub Mensik within the Miami Open closing however the Serb stated dropping to his protege made it a bit of simpler to digest.
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Djokovic was seeking to be a part of Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the one three males within the skilled period with 100 or extra titles, however the 37-year-old crashed 7-6 7-6 in humid circumstances after a number of hours of rain delays on Sunday.
Regardless of the frustration, Djokovic stated he was comfortable that the 19-year-old Mensik was delivering on his potential along with his maiden title.
“I’m never really happy to lose, but he’s one of the very few players that I would be happier to lose to, to be honest,” Djokovic advised reporters.
“I’ve seen him play when he was 15 or 16 and invited him. We had some training blocks together. He was training at my club in Belgrade and to see his development and evolution is really great, amazing.
“I might see again then already that he will be one of many prime gamers of the world. I am tremendous glad that he is utilizing the potential that he has, as a result of he is bought the whole recreation.”
Djokovic said that Mensik would only get better after becoming the second youngest Miami champion since Carlos Alcaraz, who won the trophy in 2022 as an 18-year-old.
“His serve is unbelievable, highly effective, exact and he wins plenty of free factors with the primary serve,” 24-times Grand Slam champion Djokovic added.
“Backhand, as nicely. Czech college, they at all times have an incredible backhand. However forehand, he is improved so much. And motion for a tall, huge man like that, he slides and strikes nicely. He nonetheless can enhance, in fact. So I am certain we’ll be seeing him round.
“It’s unfortunate for me. Two tiebreaks, weird match, weird day with the rain delay and all the things that were happening. I didn’t feel my greatest on court, but it is what it is. Nothing to take away from his victory.”