Making his Laver Cup debut in San Francisco 2025, Jakub Mensik becomes only the second Czech player to represent Team Europe in the event’s eight-year history.
The first was Tomas Berdych, who joined forces with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague back in 2017. This time, Mensik will find himself alongside a very different cast – one headlined by six-time Grand Slam champion and new world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, a rival on Tour but now a teammate.
How it’s going
Mensik has quickly built a reputation as a fearless competitor and a giant slayer. His breakout moment came in March when he stunned mentor Novak Djokovic in two tie-break sets to win his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Miami. Djokovic, who had championed Mensik since inviting him to train in Belgrade as a teenager, was gracious in defeat: “I’m super glad he’s using the potential he has, because he’s got the complete game.”
That same week, Mensik toppled Team World’s top-ranked star Taylor Fritz. Earlier in the year, he upset then-world No.6 Casper Ruud at the Australian Open, adding to headline wins over Ben Shelton in Auckland and Madrid. By August, the 19-year-old climbed to a career-high No.16 ranking and currently leads the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah for the year-end Next Gen Finals.
The appeal of Laver Cup
Mensik has been following the Laver Cup since day one, literally. As a 12-year-old in Prague, he was in the crowd when Federer and Nadal paired for doubles. “Being there as a fan, not just of tennis but of the event, was a great experience. Rafa jumping into Roger’s arms – it was the most exciting leap in Laver Cup history.”
Now, under new Captain Yannick Noah and Vice Captain Tim Henman, Mensik will finally experience the competition from inside the blue bench. “It’s an incredible feeling – such an honor to represent Team Europe,” he said. Since his confirmation for the eighth edition of the Laver Cup, Mensik has received messages of support from his teammates as well as players from the rest of the World, welcoming him to the competition and guaranteeing a memorable experience. “I’ve just been representing my country,” said Mensik, who at 6’5” [196cm] possesses a powerful serve and loves drilling backhands. “Right now, it’s a whole continent.”
Looking ahead to San Francisco
Mensik wasn’t born when charismatic Team World Captain Yannick Noah inspired a generation of players in the 1980s, winning Roland Garros in 1983 – a feat not accomplished by any Frenchman since. “The energy that he will bring to the team, it’s something the team will need,” said Mensik, who named Golden State Warriors basketballer Stephen Curry as his favorite athlete.
Asked who he would like to play with in doubles at Chase Center, Mensik picked Alexander Zverev, returning for a record-sixth campaign with Team Europe. “We are both very tall,” explained Mensik, “And with our serve, I think we would be a great duo.” Mensik has never played or visited San Francisco before and is beyond excited to compete inside Chase Center, home of the Warriors. “The atmosphere, the energy out there, I’m really looking forward to it,” he added.