Teen prodigy Jakub Mensik has caused a massive upset, defeating world No.6 Casper Ruud in the second round of the Australian Open.
Playing on Margaret Court Arena, Mensik was clinical with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory.
The 19-year-old’s triumph came on the same court that Joao Fonseca defeated Andrey Rublev the night before as two top-10 males stars were sent packing.
LIVE UPDATES: Australian Open 2025, day 4 results and highlights
READ MORE: Reigning AO finalist stunned by veteran in huge ‘boilover’
READ MORE: Football club sacks eagle handler over lewd photos
As Mensik pushed his way to a 6-1 win in the third set, former Australian tennis player John Fitzgerald delivered high praise to the Czech youngster.
“At times we all get ahead of ourselves but this kid to me looks like he could be a future grand slam champion. He’s a serious player,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
With the score sitting at 3-3 in the fourth set, Mensik made his move by breaking the serve of Ruud to lead 4-3. He then stayed composed to win the set 6-4.
Mensik raised both hands in the air after the win as the crowd roared in appreciation.
“He’s here to stay … what a game he has, it’s a frightening game,” Fitzgerald said.
“I just love seeing young players play, it warms my heart … it’s just enlightening for me to see them come.”
Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.
The result makes it the first time since 2006 that two teenage players have beaten top 10 players at a major. Those two back then were Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Mensik’s win against Ruud also makes it his fifth win against top 10 players.
The world No.48 was modest when revealing his secret behind such success.
“I’m just happy I have the opportunity to play against these players and am trying to enjoy every moment on the court. When I’m enjoying myself on the court, that’s the key and when I’m playing my best tennis,” Mensik said post-match.
ATP Tour and WTA 2025: Schedule of Play for Tuesday February 4 for Rotterdam, Dallas, Abu Dhabi and Cluj-Napoca Tuesday’s Schedule of Play for the AT
WTA Abu Dhabi Open Day 1 predictions: Yuan Yue, Ashlyn Krueger, Katie Volynets, and others battle it out in thrilling matchups. Sta
Daniil Medvedev will be eager to put all of his focus on the Rotterdam Open, but part of him may still be thinking about his disastrous Australian Open.Medvede
The 21-year-old is back in action at this week’s ATP 500 in Rotterdam, where he is making his tournament debut. It will be Alcaraz’s first appearance since