2 days Ago By Archie Griggs
John McEnroe 's younger brother Patrick was made to eat his words following Novak Djokovic 's surprise defeat in the Miami Open final. The veteran Serb was beaten by Jakub Mensik, who prevailed in straight sets despite needing tiebreaks on both occasions. The match was delayed by over five hours because of wet weather, meaning it did not take place until the early hours of Monday morning.
Djokovic, who appeared to be sporting a nasty eye injury, grew visibly frustrated as Mensik edged closer towards victory. He was gracious in defeat, though, sharing a sporting embrace with his teenage opponent after the match. He was hoping to become only the third player in history to win 100 career titles, but the 37-year-old will be forced to wait to reach that milestone.
He went into the match as the overwhelming favourite to claim the spoils and Patrick McEnroe was convinced that he would deliver the goods. On X (formerly Twitter) , the American declared: "Today, @DjokerNole will win his 100th career title at the @MiamiOpen." McEnroe was left red-faced when his prediction failed to come true but he was quick to praise Mensik after the match, posting: "Wow.
Mensik unreal. He wins @MiamiOpen over @DjokerNole 7-6 7-6. Title 100 will have to wait.
" Djokovic also made a point of congratulating his rival in his post-match interview, admitting that he was simply beaten by the better player on the day. "This is Jakub’s moment and a moment for his team and family," said Djokovic. "Congratulations.
Unbelievable tournament. First of many. It hurts me to admit it but you were better.
In the clutch moments you delivered the goods. Unbelievable serving. "Just a phenomenal effort mentally to stay in the difficult moments.
For a young player like yourself this is a great feature, something you'll use many times in the years to follow. I wish you the best of luck. Maybe you'll let me win one of the next times.
" In a later press conference, Djokovic was quizzed on what happened to his eye but refused to give much away, explaining that he did not want to make any excuses. "There is nothing that can detract from Mensik's victory, so I prefer not to talk about certain things," he said . "I don't want it to seem like I am justifying my defeat.
It is the same for both players and you have to accept all circumstances. "I leave with a sour taste for losing the final, but I have regained good feelings both on and off the court. I am very grateful for the support received and have enjoyed the experience, besides playing well all week, except for today.
".
