Novak Djokovic has once again fallen short in his search for a 100th ATP Tour title, losing the Miami Open final to Jakub Mensik.
Djokovic praised Mensik early on at the Miami Open, before the Czech ace beat the Serbian legend in the final of the hard-court tournament.
Mensik became the lowest-ranked Miami Open winner upon defeating Djokovic, but the ATP number 54 has since risen to number 24.
The 19-year-old rising star now has one ATP title to his name, with world number five Djokovic remaining on 99.
But despite the setback, the 37-year-old runner-up was gracious in defeat in Miami, having been full of praise for Mensik on court.
Martina Navratilova delighted by Novak Djokovic praise of Jakub Mensik
“I don’t want to talk too much,” said Djokovic. “This is Jakub’s moment and a moment for his team and family. Congratulations.
“Unbelievable tournament. First of many. It hurts me to admit it but you were better. In the clutch moments you delivered the goods.
“Unbelievable serving. Just a phenomenal effort mentally to stay in the difficult moments. For a young player like yourself this is a great feature.
“Something you’ll use many times in the years to follow. I wish you the best of luck. Maybe you’ll let me win one of the next times we play.”
And that praise has drawn a reaction from Djokovic’s fellow legend Martina Navratilova, who wrote on X: “World-class comments from Novak to Mensik after losing to him – from the biggest champion to the new champion.”
How many clay-court titles has Novak Djokovic won?
Djokovic certainly deserves credit for his immediate reaction, particularly given his comments came right after the heat of battle.
And he can hold his head high after the Miami Open, although given his past success at the competition and his form at this year’s event, he may have been surprised not to have emerged victorious.
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But at the same time it should give the veteran plenty of confidence for the near future, with the clay season now taking over.
Djokovic has enjoyed huge success on that surface, and is very likely to capture that elusive 100th title sooner rather than later.
The iconic clay-court events of the Monte-Carlo Masters, Madrid Open and Italian Open are all approaching, with the French Open then getting underway.
A total of 20 of Djokovic’s 99 career titles have come on clay, including three French Open wins and an Olympic gold medal.
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