Novak Djokovic refused to discuss an apparent eye issue that troubled him before his Miami Open final loss to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik, insisting he didn’t want to take away from the Czech teenager’s triumph.
A long, strange day
– The final was delayed nearly six hours due to rain.
– Djokovic appeared with swelling around his right eye, resembling a stye.
– He applied eye drops during a changeover in the first set but avoided discussing it post-match.
– “I didn’t feel my greatest, but it is what it is. Nothing to take away from his victory,” Djokovic said.
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Respect for Mensik
Despite being denied his 100th career title, Djokovic praised Mensik’s rapid rise.
– “I saw him play at 15 or 16 and trained with him. His evolution is amazing.”
– “His serve is incredible — powerful, precise. His backhand? Classic Czech quality.”
– “For a tall guy, he moves well. He still has room to improve, but he’s got the complete game.”
A positive Miami run
Djokovic had dominated the tournament without dropping a set until the final. Despite the defeat, he took positives from his time in South Florida.
– “Bitter taste because of the loss, but Miami brought me a lot of joy.”
– “The crowd was incredible, pushing me on. I felt welcomed and supported.”
Djokovic now turns his attention to the clay-court season, where he will aim to bounce back.
