Jakub Mensik defeated Novak Djokovic to win the 2025 Miami Open title.
This month, he’ll look to defend an ATP Tour title for the first time in his career.
The Czech star isn’t exactly the favorite to win the tournament, but shouldn’t be underestimated.
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Speaking to the media ahead of the 2026 Miami Open, Mensik shared how he is feeling.
Jakub Mensik insists he isn’t putting pressure on himself ahead of Miami Open title defence
Mensik reflected on his 2025 triumph during an interview at the Miami Open.
“Of course, last year was already last year. I’m already looking for what is coming next for this week,” he said.
“Yes, last year, it was an amazing experience, amazing result, and actually the breakthrough that probably came in my career.
Jakub Mensik at the 2025 Miami Open
- 2025 Miami Open 1R [WIN] vs Roberto Bautista Agut, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
- 2025 Miami Open 2R [WIN] vs Jack Draper, 7-6, 7-6
- 2025 Miami Open 3R [WIN] vs Roman Safiullin, 6-4, 6-4
- 2025 Miami Open 4R – Walkover
- 2025 Miami Open QF [WIN] vs Arthur Fils, 7-6, 6-1
- 2025 Miami Open SF [WIN] vs Taylor Fritz, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6
- 2025 Miami Open F [WIN] vs Novak Djokovic, 7-6, 7-6
“A lot of things changed at the time. After a year coming back here, of course, it’s giving me nice memories, a lot of goosebumps, and I’m really happy to be back here.
“Last year’s final was a dream coming true… and a lot of things changed. Everyone who wants to be a top tennis player or actually to win these kinds of big titles and go through breakthroughs and compete against the best players in the world, they have to go through these kinds of experiences.
“So, I was just taking it as that, not even a responsibility.”
Returning as the defending champion, Mensik insists he isn’t putting any unnecessary pressure on himself.
“I’m going to enjoy every moment on the court like last year. I’m not trying to put any pressure on myself,” he said.
“Even from the outside, about the media and the audience and everyone talking about it. I’m just trying to focus on myself.
Jakub Mensik’s Masters 1000 record
| Tournament | Best performance | Win/Loss record | Win % |
| Indian Wells | 3R – 2026 | 3-3 | 50% |
| Miami Open | W – 2025 | 6-0 | 100% |
| Monte-Carlo Masters | – | – | – |
| Madrid Open | QF – 2025 | 5-2 | 71% |
| Italian Open | 4R – 2025 | 2-2 | 50% |
| Canadian Open | 3R – 2025 | 1-1 | 50% |
| Cincinnati Open | 3R – 2025 | 1-1 | 50% |
| Shanghai Masters | QF – 2024 | 4-2 | 67% |
| Paris Masters | – | – | – |
- FACT – Jakub Mensik has only ever lost one match at the Miami Open (2024 Miami Open qualifying vs Lukas Klein)
“Of course, it’s something new, but something that I’m really excited for and something that I want to have in my career in the future.
“At the end of the day, there is another weekend, another tournament, which you have to be ready for.”
Mensik is ready for this year’s Miami Open, but who will he play in Florida?
Jakub Mensik given tricky Miami Open draw
The 20-year-old will play Argentina’s Sebastian Baez in the second round.
Favorite to win that match, Mensik could then take on Frances Tiafoe in round three.
It’s in round four that things start getting really tough.
Mensik could meet Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Auger-Aliassime has been impressive as of late and has won four titles since the beginning of last year.
If Mensik were to upset Auger-Aliassime in the last 16, he could advance to take on the 2024 Miami Open champion, Jannik Sinner, in the quarterfinals.
Jakub Mensik’s Miami Open draw
| Round | Highest-ranked potential opponent | Potential seeded opponents |
| 1R (Bye) | – | – |
| 2R | Sebastian Baez (52) | – |
| 3R | Frances Tiafoe (20) | [19] Frances Tiafoe |
| 4R | Felix Auger-Aliassime (8) | [7] Felix Auger-Aliassime, [26] Arthur Rinderknech |
| QF | Jannik Sinner (2) | [2] Jannik Sinner, [15] Andrey Rublev, [23] Cameron Norrie, [30] Corentin Moutet |
| SF | Alexander Zverev (4) | [3] Alexander Zverev, [8] Ben Shelton, [9] Daniil Medvedev, [16] Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, [18] Francisco Cerundolo, [20] Learner Tien, [27] Brandon Nakashima, [31] Ugo Humbert |
| F | Carlos Alcaraz (1) | [1] Carlos Alcaraz, [4] Lorenzo Musetti, [5] Alex de Minaur, [6] Taylor Fritz, [10] Alexander Bublik, [11] Casper Ruud, [13] Flavio Cobolli, [14] Karen Khachanov, [17] Luciano Darderi, [21] Jiri Lehecka, [22] Tommy Paul, [24] Valentin Vacherot, [25] Jack Draper, [28] Arthur Fils, [29] Tomas Martin Etcheverry, [32] Sebastian Korda |
Mensik would enter that matchup as a big underdog, although he did beat Sinner earlier this year.
Facing off in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open, Mensik delivered one of the best performances of his career to knock out the world number two.
Only time will tell if we will see another instalment of the Mensik/Sinner rivalry in Miami, but it will certainly be something to look out for.
First, Mensik will play Baez in the second round on Friday, March 20.
