Doha [Qatar], February 24 (ANI): The 18-year-old Jakub Mensik continued his red-hot form at the Qatar Open when he produced a masterclass performance to beat Gael Monfils 6-4, 1-6, 6-3, becoming the youngest finalist in tournament history.
Mensik, who is competing in just his third tour-level event, won his first Top 5 match against Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals. On Monday, he will make his ATP Rankings debut in the Top 100.
The Czech tennis player outperformed Monfils once more with a strong showing. After faltering in the second set, he bounced back to win the third set in one hour and forty-eight minutes, slamming the ball with precise time from both wings to become the youngest tour-level finalist since Carlos Alcaraz in Umag in 2021.
“It is amazing. Hopefully not the last one [final]. Incredible week so far. Today again with Gael, he played unbelievable. I know it is tough to play against him, especially with his good movement. For me every point I have to play my best game,” Mensik said as quoted by ATP.
“I have to say this performance was one of the best in my entire life. I am so glad I reached this level in the semis, so hopefully tomorrow I play like this. An amazing feeling with my first ATP final. I am speechless,” he added.
Mensik consistently struck the ball effectively against Monfils, who attempted to break the Czech’s rhythm with the drop shot. Mensik took the third set 4-3, winning on break point with a brilliant backhand winner down the line.
After saving nine out of twelve break points, the eighteen-year-old held serve to win. Mensik erupted in celebration of his victory, and he and Monfils hugged each other at the net.
“I told him when I was young I watched him a lot on the TV. One of the biggest showmen on court.