Mats Wilander was just like the rest of the tennis world last night, left stunned by what Jakub Mensik had accomplished.
After all, whilst many had praised him for a good run at Roland Garros, it was also expected that it would come to an end at the hands of Joao Fonseca.
The 19-year-old has shone in Paris over the last 10 days, and naturally stolen the headlines with the dramatic way in which he has carved through the draw.
Meanwhile, Jakub Mensik has been silently going about his business, achieving similar results but with far less fanfare.
That is likely why his win over Fonseca shocked so many; Wilander explained that there was one attribute to the Czech star’s game that he did not know he boasted.
Mats Wilander left completely surprised by Jakub Mensik
Speaking live on TNT Sports’ broadcast after having watched Mensik win in straight sets, he began by insisting: “He is an unbelievably good tennis player.”
Wilander admitted he had under-appreciated what talents this 20-year-old has at his disposal, continuing: “I did not realise before this match that he could play with so much variety, and he is so versatile. He was playing at the net and hitting these beautiful angled volleys. Athletically, he moves really well for a big guy.
Who are you backing to make it further at Wimbledon and why? Jakub Mensik or Joao Fonseca? 🤔
“And the serve. We know that was a weapon, and if he kept the serve percentage as high as he did today, then the serve is a massive weapon. I think that was the biggest difference between the two.
“But in general Jakub Mensik has really presented himself tonight as an all-round player.”
He concluded with further praise, this time on Mensik’s incredible touch: “I am so blown away by his soft feel at the net and his athletic ability to get up to these and angle these off. We don’t see that very often. Not many players are that comfortable doing it off of drop shots.
“I did not know that he was that comfortable in the forecourt; we did not know that about him.”
Mensik offered a fitness update after the match, admitting he had felt pain during the clash with Fonseca.
Jakub Mensik is the most underrated youngster on the ATP Tour
Whilst Fonseca naturally steals all the headlines due to his explosive attributes and raucous support, Mensik is perhaps going under the radar for what he has and continues to achieve despite his youth.
After all, it’s worth noting that he is just a year older than the Brazilian, and yet is already a far more accomplished player.
Meanwhile, even stars like Rafael Jodar seem to be stealing his spotlight.
These are all supremely talented individuals, but Mensik has just reached a Grand Slam semi-final by beating one of his direct rivals.
Are Joao Fonseca’s fans good for tennis? 😬
Not to mention that he is already a Masters 1000 champion who has enjoyed multiple solid runs at majors, including reaching the second week in Australia earlier this year.
Mensik is, by some distance, the most underrated youngster on the ATP Tour.
