Qatar Open: Jakub Mensik adds Gael Monfils to Andy Murray and Andrey Rublev scalps to reach first final

ByAndrew Wright

Published 24/02/2024 at 00:02 GMT

Jakub Mensik is into his first ATP Tour final after the teenager beat Gael Monfils 6-4 1-6 6-3 in their last-four encounter at the Qatar Open. The teenager had already beaten Andy Murray and Andrey Rublev before squaring off against the veteran Frenchman, and seized his opportunity when it arose in the decider. He will take on Karen Khachanov in the final, after the Russian beat Alexei Popyrin.

Jakub Mensik continued his dream run at the Qatar Open with a three-set victory over Gael Monfils in the semi-finals in Doha.

The teenager recovered from dropping the second set against his veteran opponent to wrap up a 6-4 1-6 6-3 win and become the youngest finalist in the tournament’s history.

“I am speechless,” the 18-year-old said. “It is amazing. Hopefully not the last one.

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“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.”

It was already a week to remember for the Czech, who beat former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray in the second round before backing that up with a straight-sets triumph over Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals.

Now, though, he has the chance to cap it off in fitting fashion when he takes on Russia’s Karen Khachanov in Saturday’s final.

Mensik was forced to dig deep against Monfils, saving two break points in his opening service game before settling into the match.

Highlights: Murray defeated by Mensik after marathon match in Doha

He then secured the only break of the first set and served it out to love to seize the early initiative.

Monfils responded by winning the first three games of the second set en route to forcing a decider.

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However, it was the teenager who wrestled back the momentum early in the third to lead 2-0. Mensik was immediately broken back but took his chance when it arose to break for 5-3 before comfortably holding to 15 to secure the biggest win of his career to date.

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