Tennis

Miami Open Final Preview: Novak Djokovic Chases History, Faces Jakub Mensik

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By
wendioliveros
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wendioliveros Sports Editor

Wendi Oliveros is a diehard tennis fan that is known to set her clock at ridiculous hours to watch live action especially during the Australian Open. She is known for indulging in strawberries and cream during Wimbledon and has watched the US Open live several times.

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Sports Editor

Published29 Mar 2025

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Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is chasing his 100th career ATP tour title on Sunday when he takes the Miami Open court to face his protege Jakub Mensik.

100 titles is rare air in men’s professional tennis.  Only Jimmy Connors with 109 and Roger Federer with 103 have accomplished it.

Djokovic is the overwhelming favorite to win the Miami Open and his centennial title.

Jakub Mensik Is In Uncharted Territory

Novak Djokovic’s opponent is 19-year-old Czech tennis player Jakub Mensik.  Mensik has ascended the ATP rankings and had big Miami Open wins over Indian Wells champion Jack Draper, Arthur Fils, and American Taylor Fritz en route to the finals.

Somehow, he has been under the radar compared to his teenage compatriot Joao Fonseca.  Jakub Mensik will be in the limelight on Sunday afternoon, and it will be interesting to see how he responds.

He is a Djokovic fan, calls him his idol, and has practiced and spent time with Djokovic.  The two players are more than just casual acquaintances.

Novak Djokovic Has Played Great

2024 was physically challenging for Djokovic with injuries that kept him off the court, yet he somehow managed to prevail in Paris and win that elusive Olympic gold.

Physically, Djokovic looks much better in Miami than he did in Australia or Indian Wells.

Is his recent success attributed to his partnership with tennis legend and his coach, Andy Murray?  Maybe it is somewhat related, but at this point in his career, Djokovic knows his physical and emotional abilities best.

What VIPs Will Be In Attendance?

Watching the living legend Djokovic is on everyone’s bucket list these days.  The question is who will be at the final.  Jon Bon Jovi, Lionel Messi, Juan Martin del Potro, and Serena Williams have already watched him play at this tournament.  It is realistic to think others will show up tomorrow to watch the possibility of tennis history being made before their eyes.

Watch the Miami Open final on Sunday, March 30 on the Tennis Channel at 3 PM EDT.