Jakub Mensik, the young Czech tennis prodigy, has been making waves in the professional tennis scene with his impressive rise through the ranks. He has even caught the attention of Novak Djokovic, who recently highlighted him as one of the stars to watch.
Born in Prostejov, Czechia, Mensik’s journey in tennis began at an early age when he started playing at just five years old. With courts right outside his family home, he quickly fell in love with the sport and became pro in 2022.
Despite his early start, it wasn’t until 2023 that he gained significant recognition after becoming the youngest Czech to win a Challenger title. That victory set the stage for a breakthrough year.
He is known for his powerful backhand and his ability to handle pressure, qualities that helped him achieve such early success, even beating players such as Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov. Here’s what to know about Mensik.
How old is Jakub Mensik?
He is 19 years old, born on September 1, 2005. As we said, he started playing tennis at age five. According to his biography in the ATP Tour, he enjoyed the training sessions. “I fell in love with tennis through games and competitions,” he told the website.
Mensik’s height
According to his profile in the ATP Tour website, he stands at 6’4″ (193 cm). He weighs 184 lbs (83kg). “I’m very tall. I have a little bit [of an] advantage over other guys,” Mensik told the ATP. “So with my big serve and also with my aggressive position on the court, I feel very comfortable.”
Who is his coach?
His first coach was Ivo Müller. Currently, his coach is Tomas Josefus, who played for Czech Republic in the Davis Cup. Josefus has worked with him since he was eight years old. Since Mensik turned 14, Josefus has been his player’s main coach.
Mensik’s family
There’s no much information about his parents. According to the ATP Tour website, his parents are Michal (father) and Katerina Mensikova (mother). He has a brother, Lukas.
Who is his tennis idol?
Menisk has said that his tennis idol is 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who also believes he is a rising talent.
Career highlights
- Winning the 2023 Sparta Prague Open, becoming the youngest Czech Challenger champion at 17 years old.
- Reaching his first ATP final in 2024 and securing his first top-10 win over Andrey Rublev.
- Making his Grand Slam debut at the 2023 US Open, where he won his first match and reached the third round.
- His ATP Masters 1000 debut in 2024, where he recorded a win at the BNP Paribas Open and reached the third round at the Mutua Madrid Open.