Jakub Mensik Receives Support from Novak Djokovic Ahead of Roland Garros Clash

Jakub Mensik, a rising star in tennis, has received encouraging words from Novak Djokovic as he prepares for a challenging match against Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros. This marks Mensik's best performance in a Grand Slam, and he is eager to continue his impressive run. His coach, Tomas Josefus, believes Mensik thrives under pressure and is ready to face top competitors. Discover how Djokovic's mentorship has influenced Mensik's journey and what lies ahead in this exciting matchup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 5, 2026, 15:14 IST

Mensik's Journey to Roland Garros

Jakub Mensik has disclosed that Novak Djokovic has reached out with encouraging messages as he prepares for his match against Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros. This marks Mensik's most successful Grand Slam performance to date, and he aims to keep the momentum going. Zverev, a three-time finalist, brings a wealth of experience in high-stakes matches, yet Mensik has embraced the role of the underdog. Last year, he clinched his first Masters title in Miami and triumphed over Jannik Sinner earlier this year in Doha. The 19-year-old mentioned that Djokovic has been closely monitoring his journey in Paris and has sent him messages following some of his matches. “Yes, he did, after the Rublev match and the Fonseca match,” Mensik shared during an interview at the TNT Sports studio. “Novak is a fantastic person and champion. I’m grateful for our relationship and that he’s keeping track of my results.”

For context, Djokovic has been a mentor to Mensik since his early career, inviting him to train in Serbia, a gesture Mensik cherishes. “The bond we share with Novak is incredibly special,” Mensik expressed. “I am truly thankful for that. When I was still a junior and hadn’t even started on the ATP Tour, he invited me to train with him. He recognized my potential. It was an extraordinary experience, especially since I wasn’t competing in Grand Slams at that time. His guidance was crucial in understanding the Tour and its dynamics.

'He's Built for These Matches': Mensik's Coach Anticipates Upset

In the meantime, Mensik's coach, Tomas Josefus, has voiced his confidence in the young player, asserting that the Czech talent excels in high-pressure situations. “Jakub is a player who thrives in these types of matches against top competitors in large arenas,” Josefus stated to ATPTour.com. “He relishes significant challenges and has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform well against elite players. I’m looking forward to a high-quality match, and he will be prepared to face Sascha tomorrow.”