ATP Dubai: Jakub Mensik with the next Instant Classic
Doha finalist Jakub Mensik delivered another fantastic performance at the ATP Tour 500 tournament in Dubai. After defending a match point, the Czech teenager defeated Borna Coric 4:6, 6:3 and 7:6 (7).
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Feb 27, 2024, 07:03 pm
No, Jakub Mensik didn't look really fresh at the start of the tiebreak in the third set against Borna Coric. On the one hand, because the 18-year-old Czech played his way to the final with four tough matches in Doha last week (which he then lost to Karen Khachanov). On the other hand, because he had already served the match at 5:4 and missed a chance to advance to the second round of the 500 in Dubai.
But the quick decision started well, Mensik quickly led 4-0. What else could go wrong? Some things, as it turned out. Because suddenly Coric was leading 6:5 and had a match point on his own service. But Jakub Mensik remained aggressive - and finally used match point number three to make it 4:6, 6:3 and 7:6 (7). In round two Mensik, who is only playing his fourth tournament on the ATP tour in Dubai, will play against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. He defeated the Spaniard in Doha in round one.
Medvedev could meet Mensik
If Mensik overcomes this hurdle again, then the biggest possible hurdle could be waiting in Dubai: defending champion Daniil Medvedev. The Russian beat Alexander Shevchenko 6:3 and 7:5 at the start , but was already behind 3:5 in the second round. Medvedev took a long break after losing the final at the Australian Open; this week he would like to win a title twice in one place for the first time.
Karen Khachanov had no problems with lucky loser Luca van Assche on Tuesday, winning 6:2 and 6:3. Khachanov will face another Czech hopeful in the round of 16: Jiri Lehecka, who narrowly held his own against Marton Fucsovics in three sets.
Here is the individual tableau in Dubai