Sam Querrey sat down with Jakub Mensik for the second podcast episode of the Stella Artois ATP Perfect Serve, looking back at the Czech’s biggest moments, his experiences against the biggest stars and what makes the perfect serve.
Back in 2024, Mensik had his first taste of playing one of the sport's big guns when he took on idol Novak Djokovic in Shanghai. Speaking with Querrey, Mensik opened up about that all-encompassing experience.
“I was super nervous,” Mensik said when asked about playing Djokovic in the 2024 Shanghai quarter-finals. “When I started playing tennis, he was already winning Slams and at the top of the Tour, and I now had the opportunity to play him.
“I was so nervous that, even though I won the first set, I ran to the toilet because I was feeling so bad and I puked in the toilet. In the second and third set, he played really good and beat me. But overall, the feeling and experience is something I really wish happens to all of the kids and players.”
That experience provided the springboard for the Czech star to defeat Djokovic in the final at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami just five months later. With his victory, Mensik became just the fourth player to win their first title at an ATP Masters 1000 and the second-youngest titlist in tournament history (after Carlos Alcaraz).
Earlier this year, Mensik broke more ground when he reached his first major semi-final at Roland Garros. The Czech star believes he has the game and mindset to win a Slam in the future, despite the recent dominance of Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz at that level.
“Definitely I have this mindset,” Mensik said when asked about his goals of winning a major. “Since I was a kid, I always wanted to win Grand Slams and to go for it. Even right now, when Carlos and Jannik are healthy, it’s really tough. But since I’m here in the Top 20 and getting closer step by step, I’m trying to follow their work.
“I proved myself in Doha this year that I can play against Jannik. Maybe he didn’t play his best match, but if I’m in top form and things go well, I can be there and beat them both.”
Watch the full episode here:
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