Mensik sees off Shelton in Madrid, extends Masters 1000 win streak

Jakub Mensik had all the answers on Sunday at the Mutua Madrid Open, where he moved past a physically impaired Ben Shelton.

The 19-year-old Czech was imperious on serve throughout his 6-1, 6-4 clinic, during which he dropped just two of 28 points behind his first delivery, according to Infosys ATP Stats. Shelton called for the doctor after an error-strewn opening set and upped his level in the second, but Mensik remained locked in to seal his spot in the fourth round.

“Today was a good day in the office on my return,” said Mensik, who improved to 2-1 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Shelton. “I know Ben can serve much better, but in this high altitude, it’s always tough to break him.

“I knew that he was not feeling very well, me neither… But I still tried to reach my best level and that was the key. I’m glad I came out with the win.”

Mensik is now on an eight-match winning streak at ATP Masters 1000s, having claimed his maiden tour-level title in Miami last month, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final. After a confident start to the year, in which he boasts a 16-7 record, the Czech is ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.

“I enjoyed it a lot with my family, my friends, my close ones,” said Mensik when asked of his Miami triumph. “But it’s just one tournament. I’m trying to improve myself every week, the journey is still long and my goals are even further.”

With his 67-minute victory over Shelton, Mensik improved to 6-1 against Top 20 players this year. Mensik, who sits at a career-high World No. 23, could crack the Top 20 himself this week in Madrid. He next faces Alexander Bublik, who earlier upset defending champion Andrey Rublev 6-4, 0-6, 6-4.