Is Jakub Mensik the Next Big Thing in Tennis?

The tennis world is buzzing about Jakub Mensik, the 19-year-old Czech sensation who stunned everyone by defeating Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open 2025 final. With this victory, Mensik not only won his first ATP Masters 1000 title but also stopped Djokovic from reaching the historic milestone of 100 career titles.

But was this just a one-off moment, or is Mensik the next big thing in tennis? Let’s take a closer look at his rise, playing style, and what the future holds for him.

A Rapid Rise in Tennis

Mensik’s breakthrough did not happen overnight. Over the past two years, he has consistently impressed with big wins and deep tournament runs. Here’s a timeline of his rapid rise:

• 2023: Reached the third round of the US Open, turning heads with his powerful game.
• 2024 Shanghai Masters: Defeated two top-10 players (Andrey Rublev & Grigor Dimitrov) to reach the quarterfinals.
• 2025 Australian Open: Stunned Casper Ruud (World No. 6) in the third round.
• 2025 Miami Open: Defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to win his first Masters 1000 title, breaking into the Top 25 rankings pyridine

Every step of the way, Mensik has defied expectations and shown he can compete with the world’s best.

A Playing Style Built for Success

Jakub Mensik has a game that is well-suited for modern tennis. His powerful serve allows him to dominate points early, earning free points and keeping opponents under pressure. He combines that with aggressive baseline play, using heavy groundstrokes to dictate rallies and force errors.

Unlike many young players, Mensik displays remarkable shot selection, frequently mixing in drop shots and angles to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm. His adaptability and strategic awareness set him apart from other rising stars.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game is his mentality. Even in high-pressure situations, he remains composed and focused. His resilience has already helped him secure big wins against experienced players, proving he has the mindset required to succeed at the highest level.

His coach, Tomas Josefus, describes him as "an aggressive baseliner for sure." His ability to blend power with finesse has drawn comparisons to Stefanos Tsitsipas and Carlos Alcaraz. Even Novak Djokovic has acknowledged Mensik’s potential, praising his serve, movement, and overall game.

Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges

Mensik’s story is not just about success—it is about resilience.

Before the Miami Open, he almost withdrew due to a knee injury. He even tried to pull out of the tournament, but because the officials were on a lunch break, he could not complete the process.

Instead of giving up, Mensik decided to play through the pain. With the help of physiotherapy and painkillers, he battled through the tournament and ended up winning the biggest title of his career so far.

This kind of determination shows he has the mindset of a champion.

How Far Can Mensik Go?

With his skillset and mentality, Mensik has the potential to reach the highest levels of the sport. He has already beaten top-ranked players, showing that he belongs among the elite. As he gains more experience and refines his game, it is only a matter of time before he becomes a consistent threat at Grand Slam events.

His rapid rise suggests that he could soon break into the ATP Top 10. With continued improvement, he has the potential to challenge for Grand Slam titles and establish himself as a dominant force in men’s tennis. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could follow in the footsteps of Czech legends like Ivan Lendl and Tomas Berdych, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Many young stars burst onto the scene but struggle to sustain success. However, Mensik has already demonstrated consistency, composure, and hunger—qualities that separate promising players from future champions.

Final Verdict: The Next Big Thing?

Jakub Mensik is more than just a one-tournament wonder. His skill, mental toughness, and ability to beat top players suggest that he is here to stay.

With the tennis world looking for the next superstar, Mensik has everything needed to become a household name.

The next big thing in tennis? He certainly looks the part.