World no. 48 Jakub Mensik was not a happy camper during the second day of the ATP Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah! The 19-year-old Czech suffered a 4-2, 4-3, 4-2 loss to last year’s finalist Arthur Fils in an hour and 17 minutes.
An unprecedented scene occurred after the second set at the King Abdullah Sports City. Mensik was was unexpectedly subjected to an anti-doping test during the toilet break after the second set, which caused his frustration.
Jakub returned to the court after a break and, visibly frustrated, explained everything to the chair umpire. Nacho Forcadell protected the player, communicating with one of the supervisors and addressing the irregularity. However, the damage was already done.
💉🇨🇿 Jakub Mensik was asked to take a drug test *during* his match today (was completely randomised in terms of time, nothing specific to Mensik)
Never heard of that one before 🤔 pic.twitter.com/BNYGdUi09Q
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) December 19, 2024
The Czech lost focus and fell 4-2 in the third set, losing chances to qualify for the semi-final. Anti-doping tests are common for all athletes. However, they go on before or after the match, never during it!
Something went wrong in Jakub’s case, and the leading tennis organizations should prevent these situations in the future. This incident should raise questions about the protocols governing in-match procedures and athlete welfare.
Jakub Mensik & Arthur Fils, Next Gen ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Arthur Fils tops Jakub Mensik in straight sets
The top seed Fils played well against Mensik, sealing the deal in under 80 minutes. Last year’s finalist produced more reliable numbers behind the first and second serve. Arthur saved four of five break points and mounted the pressure on the other side.
The Frenchman took 44% of the return points and turned them into three breaks from seven chances. Fils tamed his strokes nicely and landed 22 winners and 23 unforced errors. Mensik could not follow that pace, spraying 30 unforced errors and finishing on the losing side.
Athur Fils, Next Gen ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
They had a similar number of service winners, and Arthur took charge from the baseline. The top seed ruled the shortest and more extended rallies to move over the top in straight sets and keep his semi-final chances alive. They served well in the opening two games of the duel.
The Frenchman faced issues at 1-1 and played against two break points. Fils saved them and held for 2-1. Mensik locked the result at 2-2 with a fine hold and required another solid service game at 2-3. Arthur stepped in and drew the rival’s mistake for two set points.
Fils converted the second with a deep return that caused Mensik’s mistake, providing a break and clinching the opener 4-2 in 19 minutes. The top seed denied a break point in the first game of the second set and closed it with an ace down the T line.
Jakub Mensik. Next Gen ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Jakub netted a routine forehand in the second game, suffering a break at 15 and finding himself in a challenging position. The Czech kept his composure and pulled the break back in the next one after the Frenchman’s loose forehand.
Mensik closed the fourth game with a forehand winner, climbing back and improving his chances. Arthur closed the fifth game with a service winner and cracked a forehand down the line winner in the next one for 30-15. Jakub grabbed three straight points to introduce a tie break.
The top seed started it with a forehand winner and landed a lob winner in the second point for a mini-break and 2-0. Mensik hit a double fault in the third point and fell 5-0 down after a forced error. The Czech pulled one mini-break back in the eighth point with a backhand winner.
Nacho Forcadell, Next Gen ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
Jakub grabbed another return point, rattling off four points and moving 5-4 behind. Fils cracked a backhand crosscourt winner in the tenth point for two set points. The top seed provided his fourth mini-break at 6-4 with a crafty drop shot.
Thus, he opened a 4-2, 4-3 advantage after 53 minutes, hoping for another good run in the third set. Jakub experienced that anti-doping incident and made a slow start to the third part of the duel. The Czech faced break points in the first game after a double fault.
Jakub Mensik, Next Gen ATP Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
He missed a forehand on the second, suffering a break and moving closer to the exit door. Arthur held at love in the second game with a forced error to cement the lead. The Frenchman earned another break point in the third game. Mensik saved it with a forehand drive-volley winner.
Still, Arthur grabbed the fourth game with a service winner for 3-1 and served for the win at 3-2. The top seed landed a service winner for three match points and sealed the deal on the first with another powerful serve.
Tennis World USA