"Because of Novak Djokovic I started to play tennis" - Jakub Mensik expresses excitement for 'dream-come-true' clash with idol in Shanghai Masters QF

Jakub Mensik exuded excitement about playing his idol Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Shanghai Masters. The 19-year-old got one of the biggest wins of his young career in the fourth round when he defeated ninth seed Grigor Dimitrov in a topsy-turvy three-set thriller.

Mensik, the World No. 65, has been playing some interesting tennis at the Masters 1000 event, with all his wins coming in the deciding set. Tbe Czech kicked off his campaign with a win against Pedro Martinez following which he stunned sixth seed Andrey Rublev making a comeback from a set down and then defeated Alexander Shevchenko in another brutal battle.

The Czech caused another huge upset when he eliminated Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 3-6, 6-4

During the post-match press conference, he was asked about his thoughts on his upcoming quarterfinal battle against 24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic.

Jakub Mensik expressed his excitement and said that the clash was a 'dream come true' for him since the Serb was the reason he picked up a racket.

Mensik then marveled at the Serb's longevity stating that he had been at the top of the tennis world since he started playing the sport.

"I mean, more than excited, like exciting is really, you know, small word. But, yeah, obviously a dream come true, because of him I started to play tennis or, you know, when I was young and, yeah, starting to play tennis, he was already on the top. You know, so I was like, Wow, he's really good, you know, he made a lot of Grand Slams," Jakub Mensik said.

"And right now when I'm 19 and he's still playing, you know, I have this chance to play against him, and of course when I started to play there was one wish to play against him, you know. So, I'm really happy that it came true and that I can play with him, and, yeah, we'll see which level I am on Friday," he added.

Jakub Mensik had expressed his desire to battle the Serb earlier this year.

"It will be Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open, for sure" - Jakub Mensik reveals his dream match-up

Jakub Mensik (Source: Getty)

In February, earlier this year, ATP released a video titled 'Remember the Name! This is Jakub Mensik'. In the video, the Czech was questioned about some of his favorite things such as his favorite cheat meal, and the most streamed artist on Spotify.

He was also asked what his dream match-up was to which he answered,

"It will be Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open, for sure."

When asked if he would win, a confident Mensik said,

"Of course. (laughs)"

He then called the Serb his biggest idol.

"My tennis inspiration is Novak Djokovic. Because of him, I started to play tennis. He is my biggest idol. And because of him, I wouldn't be here."

Novak Djokovic has been in stunning form at the Shanghai Masters so far. The fourth seed has ousted Alex Michelsen, 28th seed Flavio Cobolli, and Roman Safiullin, and is yet to drop a set.

The winner of their match will play either seventh seed Taylor Fritz or David Goffin in the semifinals.