Czech teenager Mensik continues dream week by reaching final in Doha

Teenage Czech qualifier Jakub Mensik continued his dream week at the Doha Open as he beat veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to reach the final of the Doha Open on Friday.

The 18-year-old Mensik, ranked No 116, added Monfils to his list of victims that already included Andrey Rublev and Andy Murray as he reached the final in only his third ATP Tour event. He will play Russian Karen Khachanov, the second seed, for the title.

He’s the youngest player to reach an ATP Tour final since Carlos Alcaraz in 2021.

“It is amazing,” Mensik said. “I have to say this performance was one of the best in my entire life. I am so glad I reached this level in the semis, so hopefully tomorrow I play like this. An amazing feeling with my first ATP final. I am speechless.”

Mensik holds his nerve

Monfils, who reached the semi-finals after receiving a wildcard into the event, looked favourite when he ripped through the second set. At 3-3, 0-30 on the Czech’s serve, the 18-year-old looked to be tiring but he came up with four big serves to hold.

In the next game, a thunderous backhand down the line gave him the break and he showed no nerves as he held to 15 to reach his first ATP Tour final.

Jakub Mensik defeated Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the No 5 seed (7-6 (3), 6-4), Andy Murray (7-6 (6), 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4)) and Russian Andrey Rublev, the top seed (6-4, 7-6 (6)) earlier in the tournament.

In the previous rounds of the Doha tournament, Monfils, ranked No 68, won against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp (6-1, 7-6 (9)), Chinese Zhizhen Zhang (4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (2)) and No 3 seed Ugo Humbert (6-2, 6-4).

Doha ATP 250, other semi-final result (Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, hard, USD 1.395.875):

• Karen Khachanov beat Alexei Popyrin: 7-6 (12), 6-2