Mensik's mission: Messi, Miami & more

Wimbledon

Mensik's mission: Messi, Miami & more

Czech opens up on how to find the balance on Tour ahead of Wimbledon R3

Getty Images Jakub Mensik is making his second Wimbledon appearance. By Sam Jacot

When Jakub Mensik walked onto the court for the Miami final earlier this year, the stage could not have been bigger, with an ATP Masters 1000 title on the line. Novak Djokovic, chasing a his 100th tour-level title, on the other side of the net. And, just to add a surreal twist? Lionel Messi watching from the stands.

“It was a childhood dream,” Mensik told ATPTour.com in London when speaking about his meeting with Messi following the Miami final. “When I was a kid, Messi was already one of the most famous people in the world. Meeting him, chatting, taking a picture—it’s something special. You realise he’s actually a real person.”

Messi, a World Cup victor with Argentina and a record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, watched Mensik shock Djokovic in straight sets to become just the fourth player to win their first title at an ATP Masters 1000 event.

“I definitely felt nervous, of course! He’s not watching your match every day,” Mensik said with a grin. “It might be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. You’re used to watching him play football, but now he’s watching you play tennis. That’s pretty cool.”

If Mensik continues his current trajectory, he will have stars like Messi attending his matches more often. Following his Miami crown, the Czech has risen to a career-high No. 17 in the PIF ATP Rankings. The key to his success? Staying grounded.

“I like to also be a normal person, doing normal things, like everyone else,” Mensik said. “So that might mean eating some ‘cheat foods’ during the offseason or when I’m not practising or in tournament periods. I like to go out and have fun, playing golf, relaxing.

“Of course, I’m a professional athlete and I want to do things as professionally as I can. But at the same time, I want to enjoy life.”

It’s a tricky balance. The Tour can be relentless with long-haul flights, quick turnarounds, and minimal time at home. For a 19-year-old in just his second year on the circuit it’s a steep learning curve but one he is enjoying.

“Sometimes you're on Tour for so long, two months abroad, maybe more. You don’t see your friends, it’s tournament after tournament,” Mensik said. “You’ve got to practise, stay focused on the game… but at the same time, you want to relax and enjoy yourself.

“When you’re between tournaments, you try to enjoy life as much as you can. You’ve got to stay grounded. But yeah, too much of that can also be a problem, you can lose your edge.”

Right now, Mensik’s edge is sharp. The 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF competitor is 24-12 on the season and is into the third round at Wimbledon for the first time.

Speaking earlier this week, Mensik opened up on why Wimbledon is so special.

“It does feel different, because Wimbledon is full of tradition, and I love it,” Mensik said. “Some of the traditions, I didn’t even know. I’m getting to know them when I’m here. You can just see how the tournament is and how historic. You can see that there are almost ‘laws’ that have kept everything as it is throughout the decades.”

On court, the 15th seed has defeated Hugo Gaston and Marcos Giron and will next meet Flavio Cobolli. After going 2-4 on the surface last year, Mensik is chasing small improvements this year.

“I had my first experience of grass at ATP Tour events last year but now I am excited to continue playing on the surface," Mensik said. "I think I can find a good level on it, with my forehand, serve. I have things to improve for sure but I am feeling great now and I love it here in London.”

Click here to read article