In a stunning display at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, 18-year-old Czech tennis player Jakub Mensik has made headlines by defeating several top seeds to reach the finals. Mensik's remarkable journey included victories over world no.5 Andrey Rublev, with scores of 6-4, 7-6 (64/76), and former champion Gael Monfils, with a scoreline of 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. Additionally, Mensik overcame the 5th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and British tennis star Andy Murray, showcasing his skill and determination. His victory against Monfils also marked him as the youngest finalist in the tournament's history, a significant achievement given Monfils' experience and status as the oldest semi-finalist in the event's history at 37 years and 5 months, defeating Humbert 6-2, 6-4. Mensik's performance has been described as one of the best in his life, signaling a promising future for the young athlete. Games taken off Mensik this week include 19 by Andy Murray, 13 by (WC) Gaël Monfils, and 10 each by no. 1 seed Andrey Rublev and no. 5 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
The 18-year-old Jakub Mensik rose quickly, beating Gael Monfils 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in Doha. You never know when the teenagers will rise out of nowhere, but they will stay there, week after week. Maybe. As he said: “I have to say this performance was one of the best in my entire life.” https://t.co/6Nl2BQZp6l
Stunning run by the young Czech and a lovely exchange at the net with Gaël. Games taken off Menšik this week: 19 - Andy Murray 13 - (WC) Gaël Monfils 10 - no. 1 seed Andrey Rublev 10 - no. 5 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina https://t.co/WjiaNYaHtj
Two young ATP stars born this week: 18 yr old Czech @mensik_jakub_ in Doha Finals beating ADF, @andy_murray, @AndreyRublev97 and today @Gael_Monfils. And in Rio, 17 yr old Joao Fonseca winning 1st ATP matches over @ArthurFils1 n C Garin. Big games👀 @TennisChannel @atptour
Gaël Monfils advanced to his 1st Semifinal outdoors in over 2 years! The 37-year-old faces 18-year-old Jakub Menšík next for a spot in the Doha final. https://t.co/xfW2DmEJkv
Age is just a number! 💪 At 37 years and 5 months, @Gael_Monfils defeats Humbert 6-2 6-4 to become the oldest semi-finalist in the tournament history 📚 #QatarExxonMobilOpen https://t.co/QzGUSvqNU5
Former champion Gael Monfils gets a very good top 20 win over #18 and French #1 Ugo Humbert 6-2, 6-4 to reach the semifinals in Doha. He will face Jakub Mensik tomorrow. Should be good! https://t.co/pN5KhTrLfj
Ageing like a fine wine 🍷 At 37 years and 5 months, @Gael_Monfils becomes the oldest semi-finalist in #QatarExxonMobilOpen tournament history, seeing off Humbert 6-2 6-4! https://t.co/72T2fhvNuz
Extra context for @andy_murray’s Doha defeat y’day. Young chap who beat him, Jakub Mensik, just took down top seed & world no.5 Rublev 64/76. A day after a near 3.5 hr battle v Murray. He also put out the 5th seed Davidovich Fokina in R1. Murray 1 or 2 pts away from beating him
The youth movement is happening 🧐 Jakub Mensik takes out Andrey Rublev in Doha. https://t.co/DeUud4zfsT