Andy Murray was beaten by Jakub Mensik at the Qatar Open and the Czech teenager has since gone on to win his first ATP title by beating Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final
Andy Murray realised his career was almost over after a surprising defeat by Jakub Mensik – the teenager who’s now stunned the tennis world by defeating Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final. Murray announced his retirement last August, but not before facing the Czech prodigy in the round of 16 at the Qatar Open.
After losing the opening set 7-6 to the then-18-year-old, Murray fought back and had a break point opportunity at 5-5 in the second set. Yet, following a shot that went into the net, the frustrated British legend seemed to accept his approaching retirement as he was seen mouthing: “This game is not for me anymore.” He then reiterated: “It’s not for me anymore, this game.”
The 37-year-old did manage to win the second set in a tiebreak. But he ultimately succumbed to Mensik 7-6 in the third, with Mensik achieving the most significant victory of his career at that point.
Just five months later, Murray hung up his racket in August after playing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. On Sunday, Mensik’s list of impressive conquests grew as he toppled Djokovic in straight sets to win his first-ever title.
And Murray, who has been coaching Djokovic since the Australian Open, was there to witness his one-time opponent defeat Djokovic, who he once admitted was his childhood hero, at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Murray surely gave a heads-up to his former adversary about the formidable Mensik, whom Djokovic already had on his radar. The Serbian sensation extended an invite to young Mensik to join him for practice sessions after the latter’s impressive run to the juniors final at the Australian Open in 2022, reports the Express.
Not only did Mensik clinch his very first ATP title, but he also dashed Djokovic’s hopes of scoring his 100th career title. The veteran aimed to enter the exclusive club with tennis legends Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103), who have each surpassed the century mark in titles during the Open Era.
The match itself was historic, featuring Djokovic as the oldest player ever in a Masters 1000 final, but it was Mensik’s emotional victory that stole the show. Defeating your idol in a final and thwarting his step into an elite circle is no small achievement, leading Mensik to honour the 24-time Grand Slam winner during his speech at the trophy ceremony.
“When I was young I started to play tennis because of you,” he told the Serb. “There is no harder task for a tennis player than to beat you in the finals of a tournament.”
Djokovic exhibited grace in defeat, candidly acknowledging his performance issues while lauding Mensik’s nerve in clinching the title.
“It hurts me to admit it but you were better,” he conceded. “In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods.” Despite the result marking his first final in 2025, Djokovic is yet to win a title this year, with his last ATP triumph dating back to 2023.
