The Miami Open final turned into an unexpected spectacle as Jakub Mensik’s coach, former tennis star Tomáš Berdych, employed questionable tactics to unsettle Novak Djokovic. The 17-year-old Czech sensation battled fiercely against the Serbian legend, but it was the behind-the-scenes drama that stole the show. Berdych’s relentless interference, coupled with an intense outburst from Djokovic’s wife, Jelena, made this final one for the ages.
As Djokovic aimed to add another trophy to his illustrious career, Berdych’s presence in Mensik’s corner became increasingly disruptive. The former World No. 4 was spotted frequently communicating with his young protégé, often in ways that seemed to push the boundaries of coaching regulations. Observers noted Berdych’s exaggerated gestures, constant signals, and verbal cues that appeared designed to get under Djokovic’s skin.
Sources close to the match claim that Berdych was persistently nagging Djokovic with subtle distractions, prompting moments of visible frustration from the 24-time Grand Slam champion. “It was like he was trying to play mind games with Novak,” an ESPN analyst remarked. “We’ve seen Berdych and Djokovic have their fair share of heated battles in the past, and it felt like Berdych was reliving those moments from the coaching box.”
The typically composed Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm, making uncharacteristic unforced errors. As the match progressed, his frustration mounted, leading to multiple heated exchanges with the chair umpire. Whether or not Berdych’s influence truly impacted the Serbian’s performance, it was clear Djokovic wasn’t in his usual dominant form.
During the second set, Djokovic was caught shaking his head and muttering in the direction of Berdych, who responded with an amused smirk. Meanwhile, Mensik capitalized on Djokovic’s lapse in focus, displaying remarkable poise for his age. The teenager’s aggressive shot-making and fearless attitude kept him toe-to-toe with the tennis icon.
As the tension on court heightened, drama unfolded in the stands. Jelena Djokovic, known for her passionate support of her husband, appeared increasingly agitated by Berdych’s antics. At one point, she was seen gesturing animatedly and exchanging words with a nearby official.
“She was furious,” a spectator reported. “It was obvious she felt Berdych was crossing the line.” Cameras even caught her rising from her seat multiple times, at one stage seemingly shouting in frustration. The scene added another layer of intensity to an already fiery contest.
In the end, Djokovic managed to regain his composure just in time to clinch victory in three hard-fought sets. However, the post-match narrative focused less on Djokovic’s triumph and more on Berdych’s controversial coaching tactics and Jelena’s animated reaction.
While Mensik’s rise in the tennis world continues to generate buzz, this Miami Open final will be remembered for its off-court drama as much as the battle on the court. Whether Berdych’s involvement was strategic or simply an unintended distraction remains a topic of debate—but one thing is certain: the tennis world won’t forget this showdown anytime soon.
