Jakub Mensik revealed a Lionel Messi-handshake powered him to a surprise semi-final victory in the Miami Open.
Mensik reached the final of a Masters 1000 tournament for the first time in his career as the 19-year-old aced his way past Taylor Fritz but beforehand, he had a special visit from football superstar Messi.
The Argentinian, who after a glittering career in Europe, now plays for Inter Miami, 20 miles from the Miami Open venue, met with the Czech ahead of the game.
Mensik revealed he did not wash his hand after shaking Messi’s hand in the build-up to the semi-final match.
“Meeting this legend, not even a human, it’s not happening every day,” Mensik said.
“I was shaking his hand… kind of chilling with him a little bit. I didn’t wash my hand before I stepped on the court, and probably that was the key for today.”
The meeting left a lasting impression on Mensik who, after securing the win, wrote “Thx Leo” on the camera lens.
Standing in the way of the Czech and his first title is Novak Djokovic, another self-confessed idol of Mensik.
The pair have only faced off once before with Djokovic winning but Mensik said he is competing to win, not just take part.
“I am a completely different player from that match,” he said of their 2024 Shanghai match. “I remember being very nervous when I stepped onto the court because I wasn’t mentally mature.
“I don’t doubt I will feel nerves on Sunday, but I believe I will handle them much better. Back then, I went out to enjoy the experience, but now I am here to win.
“I believe one of my greatest virtues is how I handle pressure moments in matches. I can stay calm, focused, and play my best tennis. That’s why I’m winning so many tiebreaks this year.
“Now I understand how the circuit works, I have confidence in my abilities, and I feel that I am becoming a better tennis player every day,”
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For Djokovic, it is a chance at history as he could become the oldest Masters 1000 winner in history but also record his 100th ATP title win.
The Serb admitted that since he won his 99th, the Olympic Games in 2024, he has been dreaming of the next victory.
“Ever since I won my 99th [title], which was the Olympic Games in Paris, I’ve been playing with the prospect of winning the special 100 titles,” said Djokovic.
“I’ve been trying to find that necessary and much-needed level of tennis that will put me in a position to fight for a trophy, a big trophy.
“That’s what I’ve been doing this week, to be honest. I’ve been very happy with the way I prepared for the tournament, the way I’ve been playing. I haven’t dropped a set.
“It’s a great opportunity. Let’s see what happens.”
Djokovic also received a visit from Messi, admitting he was nervous to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in the crowd.
“It’s a great honour to have King Leo in the stands. I think it’s the first time I’ve played in front of Messi, and honestly, I was a little nervous,” said Djokovic.
“I am very grateful for his attendance with his family. I have always been a fan of him, as most of the world has, throughout his career.”
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The post How Lionel Messi powered Jakub Mensik to Miami Open final appeared first on Tennis365.
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