Jakub Mensik on Miami, Life Off the Court, and His Best Miami Open Run

3 days ago
3 min read

Miami Living spoke with tennis pro Jakub Menšík as he reflected on his rapid rise in professional tennis, from his early beginnings in the Czech Republic to competing on the sport’s biggest stages.

BY MARKIN ABRAS | PHOTOS JAKUB MENSIK/INSTAGRAM

Jakub Mensik was born in Prostějov, Czech Republic, a city long associated with elite tennis development. He picked up a racket as a child and progressed quickly through the national system. In 2022, he reached the final of the Australian Open boys’ singles, a result that placed him among the top juniors in the world. Turning professional soon after, he leaned on the steady presence of his family, who continue to support him throughout the season. Away from competition, he keeps his routine simple and values time with friends and loved ones.

As his schedule expanded to the ATP Tour, Mensik began learning how to adapt to different environments. When asked about the unique challenge of competing in South Florida, he explained it in straightforward terms. “Yeah. Obviously, the conditions at the Miami tournament are super tough and, of course, different from other tournaments. But basically, at every tournament we’re playing in different conditions, so we always need a little adjustment everywhere,” he said.

For him, the key starts with managing the heat and humidity. “It depends on how many degrees it is, but in that humidity the most important thing is the drinking regime, just to stay hydrated. And then there are small details and adjustments, maybe a little bit stronger tension on my rackets and other things to protect me from sweating a lot, you know, powders and many, many things. Like I’m saying, there are plenty of details.”

Those adjustments have become part of his development at the highest level. In 2023, Mensik reached the third round of the US Open as a qualifier, earning attention with composed performances against established players. In early 2024, he advanced to his first ATP final at the Qatar Open in Doha, finishing runner up and marking a significant breakthrough. He also reached the third round of the Australian Open in 2024, confirming his ability to compete consistently in Grand Slam events.

Managing energy across a long season is another lesson he has learned quickly. He described his approach to switching off during tournaments. “Like I said, I love to sleep. So basically, good sleep is very important. Really good rest, and not to socialize that much. Sometimes I just want to be by myself in the room, maybe watch a good movie or go for a walk,” he said.

When he is at home, the focus shifts. “Of course, when I’m off tournaments, I like to spend time with my family, my friends, and my girlfriend. Overall, when I’m really off the court, I try to do something else than just tennis, something not around tennis. It can be easy, basic things, you know, but it really makes me happy and makes me feel like I’m recharging. It’s kind of relaxing.”

At the Miami Open, his best result came in 2025, when he delivered one of the biggest breakthroughs of his young career. He reached his first Masters 1000 final. In the championship match at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, Menšík stunned his childhood idol Novak Djokovic to claim his first ATP Tour title.

Jakub Mensik's stats:

Age: 20 (1 September 2005)

Birth place: Prostějov, Czech Republic

Career high: World No. 16

Singles titles: 2

Miami Open Best: Champion in 2025

Prize Money: US$ 4,962,566

www.instagram.com/mensik.jakub