Teenage sensation Jakub Mensik beat Grigor Dimitrov to set up a maiden meeting with his idol Novak Djokovic in Shanghai.
Jakub Mensik is quickly establishing himself as a bit of a giant-slayer on the ATP Tour, after wins over Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov have guided him to his maiden Masters level quarter-final.
After Dimitrov squared things up to force a decider, Mensik leapt to a service break and unsuccessfully served for the match at 5-3.
However, without a second thought, he upped his level in the following game, crashing a backhand return winner to seal his victory after just over two hours.
Jakub Mensik relishes Novak Djokovic test
For the 19-year-old, he has made a habit of dispatching a chunk of the top 10, with four wins in his last four matches (4-2 overall).
With little to lose in the last eight, Mensik has been reflecting on the prospect of playing his all-time idol, Novak Djokovic.
He said after the match: “[I am] more than excited. Exciting is really a small word [for how I feel]. But yeah, obviously a dream come true,” Mensik told the ATP.
Attributing his own interest in the sport to the great champion, he continued: “Because of him, I started to play tennis. When I was young and starting to play tennis, he was already on the top. So I was like, ‘Wow, he’s really good’.
“He [won] a lot of Grand Slams. And right now, when I’m 19 and he’s still playing, I have this chance to play against him. Of course, when I started to play, there was one wish — to play against him. So I’m really happy that it came true, and that I can play with him. We’ll see which level I am on Friday.”
Can Jakub Mensik top his idol Novak Djokovic?
Mensik’s youth, powerful game, and lack of pressure could give him an edge, allowing him to play more freely and aggressively.
If the teenager can capitalize on his athleticism, take risks, and maintain composure in key moments, he could push Djokovic.
Ultimately, while it would be a huge upset, the 24-time champion is expected to sail through without too much trouble.
Having had a relatively easy draw so far, Djokovic is still yet to face anyone near the top 20, with his clash against 28th seed Flavio Cobolli the closest he’s come, yet arguably his most straight forward win.
If Mensik can start quickly and hang around in the points, a potential lack of march sharpness from Djokovic could open the door – I’m not sure I’d bet on it mind you.
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