Miami Open: Jakub Mensik hopes to ‘keep rising’ after stunning in-form Jack Draper with victory
By James Hilsum
Updated 23/03/2025 at 09:21 GMT
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Jakub Mensik inflicted a stunning defeat on Jack Draper in Miami, eliminating the Brit in the second round with an impressive show of grit and resilience. It is quite a fall from grace for Draper, who celebrated success at Indian Wells just six days previously. Mensik becomes only the fourth active male to hold a positive record against top-10 ranked players.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - MARCH 22: Jakub Mensik of Czech Republic reacts after defeating Jack Draper of Great Britain during their match at Hard Rock Stadium on March 22, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Jakub Mensik was thrilled to enhance his reputation as somewhat of a top-10 slayer after a 7-6(2) 7-6(3) win over Jack Draper at the Miami Open.
The 19-year-old dumped out the reigning Indian Wells champion to reach the third round, where he will face Roman Safiullin on Monday.
This was a humbling defeat for Draper, whose hopes of completing a Sunshine Double were dashed in Florida.
Saturday’s win for Mensik over Draper – ranked at world No. 7 – takes the Czech’s record to 6-5 against top-10 ranked opponents following his win over Casper Ruud at this year’s Australian Open.
When speaking about the record, he said: "It sounds really good.
"Hopefully I will keep rising as I am. It is my first [full] year on the ATP Tour, so I am just enjoying every moment playing against these top guys.
"Jack has been playing incredibly the last weeks, months. I knew that it was an opportunity for me, so I took it."
Mensik proved his mental strength after coming through two tie-breaks convincingly and hit a total of 21 aces throughout the match.
"The most important thing today was the serve, that was key," he explained.
"I knew in the second set, it was going to be tough at the 30/30 moments and in the tie-break, so I just tried to stay focused. I’m super glad that I kept the focus until the end."
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Fearnley dumped out by Zverev
Jacob Fearnley was eliminated following a 6-2 6-4 defeat to Alexander Zverev.
The world No. 2 prevailed in one hour and 15 minutes to set up a third-round clash with Jordan Thompson.
Zverev claimed the first set after a mere 33 minutes, breaking the Brit's serve twice in the process.
Fearnley improved in the second set and lost on only one of his service games before the German prevailed with a hold to 15 in the 10th game.
"I'm generally happy with my level today," said Zverev in quotes published by atptour.com.
"In Indian Wells, it was very different, so I hope I can continue playing this way and have a great week here."
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