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Taylor Fritz has expressed confidence that 18-year-old Jakub Menšík has the potential to upset world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final. Menšík, the Czech rising star, has impressed throughout the tournament with his fearless play and powerful groundstrokes, making him the youngest Miami Open finalist since Rafael Nadal in 2005.
Fritz, who has faced both Djokovic and Menšík, believes the teenager’s aggressive style and strong serve could trouble the 24-time Grand Slam champion. “Jakub has nothing to lose, and that makes him dangerous,” Fritz said. “He’s playing with confidence, and if he keeps up his level, he can push Novak.”
Djokovic, a six-time Miami Open champion, will still be the overwhelming favorite given his vast experience and track record in big finals. However, Fritz pointed out that Menšík’s ability to dictate rallies and play without fear could be key factors in causing an upset. “Novak thrives on controlling the tempo, but if Jakub can stay aggressive and keep points short, he has a real shot,” he added.
Menšík has already taken down higher-ranked opponents in Miami, showcasing maturity beyond his years. His powerful serve and flat, penetrating groundstrokes resemble those of fellow Czech greats like Tomáš Berdych. While beating Djokovic in a Masters 1000 final is a massive challenge, Menšík’s self-belief and fearless approach could make for an exciting contest.
Fritz’s confidence in the young Czech reflects the growing recognition of Menšík’s talent on tour. Whether he can pull off a shock victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his rapid rise has caught the attention of the tennis world, and he is a name to watch for the future.