Jakub Mensik has joined Rafael Jodar in the Roland Garros quarterfinals after a dramatic win over Andrey Rublev.
Mensik had never been past the second round of Roland Garros before, but the world number 27 has dramatically improved his record at the Paris major this year.
The Czech appeared to be headed for a comfortable victory over Rublev after winning the first two sets of their match, but Mensik ended up taking the scenic route in a dramatic five set encounter that he won 6-3, 7-6(6), 4-6, 2-6, 6-3.
Not only is this Mensik’s best result at Roland Garros, it is his best result at any Grand Slam tournament, and John McEnroe has high hopes for him going forward.
John McEnroe backs Jakub Mensik and Rafael Jodar to become top five players
Mensik is still only 20 years old, and has already played two five set epics en route to the Roland Garros quarterfinals this year.
When reacting to his victory over Rublev live on TNT Sports, the aforementioned McEnroe backed Mensik to break the top five in the future, as well as contend for major titles.
McEnroe also predicted the same for teenagers Joao Fonseca and Rafael Jodar, with the latter booking his spot in the Roland Garros quarterfinals after his win over Pablo Carreno Busta earlier in the day.
“It’s beautiful to see that reaction out there…Fonseca, Mensik, Jodar now in the mix, they’re going to make their mark and be in the top five and win Slams, super talented!” exclaimed McEnroe.
“I believe he will be top five for sure Mensik, he’s quite the talent and he’s showing a lot of heart here to get to the quarters.”
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Mensik is currently the world number 27, but he has been ranked as high as world number 12.
After enjoying his best run yet at a major tournament, Mensik is just one win away from returning to the top 20.
Jakub Mensik reacts after matching Ivan Lendl record at Roland Garros
Mensik also spoke about his victory on Court Suzanne Lenglen in the interview after the match, as he admitted he still felt like he was in the match.
“Match point was only 30 seconds ago, so I am still in the match and focusing! But it’s an incredible feeling,” said Mensik. “I am super happy I managed to come back when the momentum was on his side in the fifth set, but I overcame.
“I managed to lock in and I tried to focus ball by ball. Andrey is a great fighter. Two sets to love down and then he played some incredible shots. It’s been a journey the whole match. I am super happy I am standing here as a winner.”
Mensik has become just the second Czech man to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal under the age of 21, matching his legendary compatriot Ivan Lendl.
Although he was not aware of this achievement until being told on court, Mensik claimed that it was an ‘incredible feeling’.
“I did not know that. But it’s an incredible feeling,” said Mensik. “Me and my team are doing a great job. It’s a journey, it’s not just about this tournament but about the tough moments.
“When I came here to this tournament I was struggling a little bit so I am just happy the momentum is right now on my side and I will do my best in the quarter finals.”
Mensik’s mother was spotted multiple times throughout the match in a stressed state, as she watched her son battle it out.
After coming through the match in nearly four hours, Mensik had a message to those supporting him.
“I wanted to have that moment to say thank you to my parents,” said Mensik. “They came to today’s match to support. I am happy to see them all in the box. My team and my girlfriend, so special thanks to everyone in the box.
“And for everyone. I know it’s late but the atmosphere and energy that you bring on to the court is something that is a feeling that you can only have in Paris and when PSG won the Champions League as well!”
Mensik will now look to recover from his match ahead of his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at Roland Garros on Tuesday, June 2.
