Jakub Mensik won the first title of his career in a victory over Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) in the Miami Open Finals on Sunday, but the Czech teenager revealed he was nearly withdrawing from the tournament due to inflammation of his right knee.
Shortly before his opener against Roberto Bautista Agutt, the 19-year-old announced his withdrawal towards the judge’s room, but instead he visited Phigio’s room as staff discovered he was out for lunch.
“It was just a huge inflammation. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t run,” Mensik told reporters.
“I started treating it, I started taking painkillers, nothing helped. It was the same during the day of the game… I tried to step on the treadmill. I couldn’t move.
“…I went to the judge’s office and said, ‘Guys, I’m pulling out,’ and he was having lunch. Now, let’s first visit physics. I was there.
Mensic said physics is working on the knees and thought that wasn’t a serious problem.
“I said, ‘Okay, let’s try again.’ I stepped onto the treadmill, and I was in pain at the moment.
“After a few minutes, I began to feel a little relieved. I took a little painkiller, which helped a little. “Now, let’s try it. It looks like half an hour before the match. You can walk. You can run. Let’s take a look.”
“For some reason I won the first round, but basically I had a day off. Of course, my knees got much better. Every day, my knees got better and better in my game too.”
Mensick wanted his Miami title to be many and many.
“I’m only 19, so I have all my career right in front of me,” he added. “It feels great to have this (the trophy) next to me, but it’s more than just a title, one tournament… I’m hungry more.”