Jakub Mensik is currently at the center of attention in the tennis world after becoming the youngest finalist in the history of the 2024 Qatar Open after he beat Gael Monfils in a sensational semi final faceoff. The 18-year-old will face Karen Khachanov in the final of the tournament.
Talking about the semifinal between Mensik and Monfils, it was a three-set thriller. The youngster won the first set, following which the veteran made a comeback. After defeating the Frenchman finally, Jakub Mensik clearly got very emotional. While shaking his opponent’s hand, the 18-year-old said, “You’re one of the biggest inspirations when I was younger…”
Even in the on-court interview after his match, Mensik continued with his praise for Gael Monfils and revealed what he had told him while shaking his hands. The Czech international said that when he was young, he used to watch Monfils a lot on TV. He also hoped that they would play sometime in the near future.
When he was in the final here 19 years ago I wasn’t born yet. I told him when I was young I watched him a lot on tv. One of the biggest showman on court. Great guy. Hopefully in the future we will meet once again. Sometimes the rallies were so fun. He’s such a good guy. Best of luck for him for the next tournament Jakub Mensik said during his interview
Jakub Mensik is now a favorite to win the 2024 Qatar Open
Mensik has had a sensational run in the 2024 Qatar Open so far. He has defeated Davidovich Fokina, Andy Murray , Andrey Rublev, and Gael Monfils, all of whom are tough opponents. This shows that the youngster is in the form of his life and this will most likely be his breakthrough tournament.
He will now face Karen Khachanov in the final. The two players have not faced each other so far in their respective careers. Unlike Mensik, Khachanov has had a comparatively easier route to the final. However, he is much higher rated than the Czech youngster and thus it will be an interesting match. However, looking at the form that Mensik is currently in, he is definitely the favorite “underdog” to win the trophy. It must be noted that this is only Jakub Mensik’s third tour-level event which makes his achievement even more praiseworthy.
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