Novak Djokovic lost to unseeded Czech player Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final. Despite dealing with an eye issue that caused swelling, Djokovic did not want to make excuses for his defeat.
Eye Problem Affected Djokovic’s Performance
Before the match, Djokovic appeared to have a swelling around his right eye, likely due to a stye. During the first set, he used eye drops and seemed to be struggling with the infection.
Djokovic on the Weird Day and Loss
Djokovic described the day as “weird,” mentioning the nearly six-hour rain delay and his performance in the match. He acknowledged that he didn’t feel at his best but did not want to take away from Mensik’s win.
Refusal to Use the Eye Problem as an Excuse
When asked about the eye issue, Djokovic was reluctant to talk about it, saying he did not want to make excuses for his unexpected loss. Instead, he chose to focus on congratulating Mensik for his victory.
Support for Mensik’s Future
Despite his loss, Djokovic was happy to see Mensik’s growth in tennis. He had trained with Mensik when the Czech player was younger and could see his potential. Djokovic praised Mensik’s powerful serve, strong backhand, and impressive movement on the court.
Positive Feelings from the Miami Tournament
Although the loss was disappointing, Djokovic said he had a great experience at the Miami Open. He was grateful for the support he received from the crowd, which motivated him during the match. He also mentioned that the tournament brought him a lot of joy.
