Jakub Menšík: Why We Should Be Talking About the Only Teenager In the Top 50

Jakub Mensik, the 19-year-old from the Czech Republic, became the fifth-youngest player to ever win an ATP 1000 Masters. He is the only teen in the top 50 of the men’s rankings. What were you doing at 19? I was unemployed and going to college for the 1st time, for comparison.

How Did He Rise So Fast?

It began at 5 years old, playing tennis on courts in front of his family’s house. At 17, he first made his name known as an up-and-coming tennis star. He became the youngest player in years to win a main draw match at the US Open.  He surprisingly made it to the 3rd round to face Taylor Fritz and earned a surprise request to practice with his tennis inspiration, Novak Djokovic. It was an important moment where he was forced to play at a higher level. Before this, however, were years of hard work in the junior tennis ranks.

From a Small City In the Czech Republic, Menšík Began His Rise

By 2023, he had accomplished a very impressive junior record of 83-28 and a challenger record of 33-17. Reaching the dizzying heights of junior World No. 2, he won four junior titles and was the 2022 Australian Open boys’ singles runner-up. Menšík’s best results at the other three junior Slams were the third round (US Open 2021, Roland Garros 2022) and the second round at Wimbledon in 2022. He also reached the semifinals in doubles.

The Reason For His Rise Is His Unique Playing Style

Menšík is an aggressive baseliner first and foremost, with his game built around a powerful serve along with important weapons to give his game diversity. He has a great drop shot in his arsenal. Djokovic called him “one of the best servers we have in the game.” He’s also an ace at getting aces. He cracks aces on more than 15% of his serve points. With Menšík only being beaten by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Quentin Halys, he rates better among tour players.

Menšík, After Fighting Past An Elbow Injury, Is Better Than Ever

He has achieved his highest rank in the ATP tour yet at No. 19 in the world. He even defeated his tennis inspiration, Djokovic, at the Miami Open to win his first career title on the ATP Tour. It’s clear the Czechian has a bright future ahead, and we all look forward to seeing future titles to come.