Tennis-Djokovic says losing to protege Mensik makes Miami defeat easier to take

Mar 30, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) reaches for a backhand against Jakub Mensik (CZE)(not pictured) in the men's singles championship of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

(Reuters) -Novak Djokovic fell short in his bid to claim a 100th ATP title following a straight sets defeat by Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final but the Serb said losing to his protege made it a little easier to digest.

Djokovic was looking to join Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only three men in the professional era with 100 or more titles, but the 37-year-old crashed 7-6(4) 7-6(4) in humid conditions after several hours of rain delays on Sunday.