Mensik talks about himself in an interview with the ATP website, in which he talks about his tennis, perspectives and references. Three above all: Djokovic his childhood idol, together with Berdych, Sinner the reference of today, the one who has traced a path that he personally hopes to repeat.
“The new generation is coming. With Sinner, Alcaraz and all the other young players, when I was training to try to land on the ATP Tour, I could see the level reached by this group and that helps. The game is constantly evolving and all the former Next Gen, myself and the other younger players, are bringing something new. I really like Sinner. He's a tall player like me and moves so well. I see similarities because despite my height I too can move well on the pitch. Even for the forehand, I have a similar technique and style to Jannik. I can't be like Alcaraz because he is smaller and more muscularly powerful, I am thinner. When you see a lot of tall guys on tour, they have big serves and powerful shots. My serve is also a notable weapon."
“The Next Gen Finals are a great event. I think many of the past champions are already at the top of the ATP Tour. Jannik was one of the first winners and he was also my age when he played the event, he was at the same level as me and now he is the best player in the world. It's also great to see new players trying to bring something new to tennis."
“My influences? Tomas Berdych always trained near me and when I started playing tennis, he was at his best level, so I started thanks to him. I used to watch it when I was at home. Then there were the Big 3 at the time and my favorite among them was Djokovic. He is my idol."
This mentality of Jakub, it's not just the victory that counts: “My motto is: we never lose because I learn something. I knew life on tour would be super difficult at first. Every day, every week, you basically end up losing because at the end of the tournament there can only be one winner, and that's always the case. It's very tough to stay there week after week to be the champion. The point is to trust the process. Work hard every day and be the best I can, only then you will be the winner one day.”
Mensik owes everything to the support of his family: “I have to say that from the beginning of my career, when I started playing tennis, it was always me and my father. The whole time I had great people around me. Without my parents I wouldn't be here, they totally support me, I'm really happy to have them with me. Dad was my first coach, the one who really showed me what tennis is, not just how to play, he made me fall in love.
Now my current coach is important, without him it would be impossible to be here. Family, coaches, my team, physiotherapist, fitness, everyone, we have a great spirit. This is the key to being relaxed and playing your best. I want those who are with me to be able to push me forward to help me achieve my goals."
In reality, Sinner won the 2019 edition being a year younger than the current Mensik who is about to participate.
However yes, I too have always seen several similarities in terms of characteristics between him and Sinner.
Certainly many more than there may be with Fonseca (who in Brazil in turn have been compared to Sinner in terms of characteristics).
