Doha, Qatar – February 24, 2024 – The Qatar ExxonMobil Open culminated in an intense battle that saw Jakub Mensik, the tournament’s surprise finalist, fall to Karen Khachanov in a match that ended 7-6, 6-4. Despite the loss, Mensik’s journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable, a testament to his emerging talent on the ATP Tour.
Entering the tournament with a wildcard entry through the NextGen spot due to his ranking, Mensik exceeded expectations by reaching the final, a feat he had not anticipated. “From the beginning, I didn’t even get to this tournament on my own ranking… I tried to enjoy every moment on the court,” Mensik shared during the post-match press conference. His remarkable run was highlighted by a tough battle in the final, where he expressed mixed feelings of disappointment and pride in his performance.
The final proved challenging for Mensik, especially after a physically demanding week that included long matches against seasoned players like Andy Murray and Gael Monfils. Despite leading in the tiebreak during the first set, Mensik couldn’t maintain his advantage, attributing the eventual loss to Khachanov’s exceptional performance, particularly on serve. Mensik acknowledged the physical toll the tournament took on him, “My legs wasn’t working so well,” he admitted, reflecting on the intense physical demands of his matches.
Looking ahead, Mensik’s success in Doha has significantly impacted his career, promising a rise in the ATP rankings and enabling him to compete in more ATP Tour events. “This success doesn’t mean that next week I’m going to be in the finals also… It’s just good for me that I can play now these tournaments every week and to get there on my own ranking,” Mensik stated, optimistic about his future on the tour.
When asked about his aspirations for the end of the year, Mensik, smiling, expressed a hopeful yet realistic goal of breaking into the top 50. His performance in Doha has undoubtedly set a solid foundation for achieving this milestone.
As for his preferred playing surface, Mensik showed a preference for hard courts, aligning with his game style, though he also expressed competence on clay. The young star’s immediate focus now shifts to the upcoming schedule, which includes prestigious tournaments like Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami. While acknowledging the challenge of maintaining peak performance across these events, Mensik and his team are strategizing to ensure he is fully prepared, especially for the major tournaments ahead.
Mensik’s unexpected but inspiring run in Doha has not only marked his arrival on the ATP Tour but also showcased his potential to compete with the best in the sport. As he looks forward to the rest of the season, the tennis world will undoubtedly be watching this promising talent closely.