You rarely see a player conquering his first ATP title on the notable scene. The 19-year-old Jakub Mensik did that in Miami, celebrating his first ATP title at a Masters 1000 level. Thus, the young Czech became the fifth player since 1990 to secure a spot on that list.
Jakub entered Miami as world no. 54, thinking about withdrawing due to physical issues but staying in the draw. The young gun toppled six rivals and lifted a notable trophy, becoming the fifth-youngest Masters 1000 winner!
The Student Becomes The Master(s) Champion 🏆
The moment @mensik_jakub_ completed his 7-6 7-6 victory over Novak Djokovic! #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/GDqFHrvsPB
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 31, 2025
Roberto Carretero never cracked the top-50 despite lifting a Masters 1000 trophy at 20! World no. 143 passed three qualifying rounds in Hamburg in 1996 to enter his fourth Masters 1000 event in a career. The Spaniard found the rhythm and wrote history books!
Roberto took down three top-16 players in straight sets and ousted Alex Corretja in the final from a set down to lift his first and only ATP crown! A year later, Gustavo Kuerten stunned the tennis world at Roland Garros.
Jakub Mensik, Miami Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The Brazilian had a terrible run on clay that spring, suffering early losses on the ATP level before winning the Curitiba Challenger in May. A couple of weeks later, the charismatic player conquered his first ATP title in Paris, lifting a Major trophy and writing history books!
Everything clicked for Kuerten in Paris, and he beat five top-23 players en route to the trophy. Gustavo survived three five-setters and ousted Sergi Bruguera in the final to kick off his incredible Parisian journey.
Two months later, Chris Woodruff went all the way in Montreal to conquer the Canada Masters. It was the first ATP title for the American, and he earned it over Goran Ivanisevic, Mark Philippoussis, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Gustavo Kuerten.
Jakub Mensik, Miami Open 2025© Stream screenshot
World no. 57 played at his best when it mattered the most, defeating the higher-ranked opponents and taking home a surprising trophy. Like Roberto Carrettero, his compatriot Albert Portas claimed one ATP title in his career.
It came at the 2001 Hamburg Masters following a memorable five-setter victory over world no. 6 Juan Carlos Ferrero. It was Albert’s week in Germany! The Spaniard ousted Magnus Norman, Sebastien Grosjean, Alberto Martin and Lleyton Hewitt en route to the final.
Novak Djokovic & Jakub Mensik, Miami Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Portas and Ferrero battled for over three and a half hours, and the less experienced Spaniard prevailed with a late break in the decider. Twenty-four years later, Jakub Mensik joined the party in Miami.
The young Czech defeated Roberto Bautista Agut, Jack Dtaper and Roman Safiullin to enter the last 16. His compatriot Tomas Machac gave him a walkover, propelling a teenager into the quarter-final. Jakub bested Arthur Fils after a tight opener and a great performance in set number two.
Jakub Mensik, Miami Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Mensik met world no. 4 Taylor Fritz in the semi-final and prevailed 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 despite earning no breaks! A teenager claimed the pivotal points and booked a place in his first Masters 1000 final. Chasing his first ATP title, Jakub faced his idol, Novak Djokovic.
Jakub defeated Novak 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and three minutes, earning his first ATP title on the notable scene. We saw only two breaks in the opening set as the two rivals stayed neck and neck. Mensik played at a high level in both tie breaks to seal the deal and write history books.
Tennis World USA