Tennis-Miami champion Mensik says knee pain nearly forced him to skip event

Mar 30, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Jakub Mensik (CZE) celebrates with his parents Katerina Mensikova (L) and Michal Mensik (R) while holding the Butch Buchholz championship trophy after his match against Novak Djokovic (SRB)(not pictured) in the men's singles championship of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

(Reuters) -Jakub Mensik claimed the first title of his career with a 7-6(4) 7-6(4) win over Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final on Sunday but the Czech teenager revealed he had nearly pulled out of the tournament due to inflammation in his right knee.

Shortly before his opener against Roberto Bautista Agut, the 19-year-old was on his way to the referee's room to announce his withdrawal but found that the official was out for lunch, and he visited the physio's room instead.