Mensik Overcomes Hostile Crowd in Paris
Czech rising star Jakub Mensik delivered a fiery first-round performance at the 2025 French Open, defeating home favorite Alexandre Muller in four grueling sets: 7-5, 6(5)-7, 7-5, 6-3. But it wasn’t just Muller he had to beat—the Roland Garros crowd turned against him in full force, echoing the same hostility Novak Djokovic has faced over the years.
French Open Crowd Called Out—Again
The Parisian crowd has developed a reputation for being particularly unforgiving. From David Goffin calling them “totally disrespectful” to players like Arina Rodionova and Alizé Cornet slamming their behavior, the tension in the stands has become a defining feature at Roland Garros. Mensik was the latest to experience this firsthand.
Djokovic’s Disciple Delivers a Statement
As boos rang out from the crowd, the 19-year-old didn’t flinch. Instead, after securing the win, he celebrated by mocking the jeering fans with a sarcastic gesture—eerily similar to Djokovic’s infamous mock orchestration back in 2023. The moment went viral, with one journalist posting: “Gotta love Mensik for shutting up the French crowd.”
A Star on the Rise
Mensik has had a breakthrough year, highlighted by his stunning win over his idol Novak Djokovic in the 2025 Miami Open final. That match not only earned him his first ATP title, but also Djokovic’s respect, who said afterward: “It hurts me to admit it, but you were better!”
Eyes on Round Two
Now ranked No. 19 in the world, Mensik will face Henrique Rocha in the second round. Though he showed signs of cramping, his mental toughness and fearless attitude—shaped by Djokovic’s influence—make him a dangerous contender on any surface.
Can Mensik Make a Deep Run?
With a 19-9 win-loss record this season and growing confidence, all eyes are on whether Mensik can continue his run in Paris—and whether the French crowd will continue to test his composure. One thing’s for sure: he won’t back down.