Player Spotlight: Jakub Mensik Returns with Experience
Published on September 21, 2026|3 mins
One year ago, Jakub Mensik was the new kid on the block. Now, the 21-year-old Czech is doing the welcoming. He will be one of five returning players for Team Europe when they face Team World on September 25-27 at The O2 in London.
Mensik only turned pro in 2022, but has already established himself as a multiple tour champion. His last two seasons have been unforgettable.
In March 2025, Mensik defeated Novak Djokovic in the Miami final to become the fifth-youngest champion in ATP Masters 1000 history. This year, he won the ATP 250 title in Auckland, reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, and defeated world No.2 Jannik Sinner in Doha. He then made the semifinals at Roland-Garros, his best result at a Grand Slam, and won the US Open mixed doubles trophy alongside compatriot Karolina Muchova.
Returning to Laver Cup
Mensik will represent Team Europe at Laver Cup for the second year in a row. Making his debut in 2025 San Francisco, he won both of his matches on opening Friday, in singles over Alex Michelsen and in doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz. He’d lose to Alex de Minaur on the deciding Sunday.
Jakub Mensik paired with Carlos Alcaraz last Laver Cup.
“Last year in San Francisco, it was my first experience,” Mensik said. “I super enjoyed [being] with the team, and even if it didn’t [go] our way, we are ready to take the Cup back home.”
In San Francisco, Team Europe fell 15-9 to Team World and has lost three out of the last four Laver Cups, including a loss in London the last time Laver Cup was played there in 2022.
Team World arrives in London later this month with returning players De Minaur, Taylor Fritz and Francisco Cerundolo and newcomers Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima and Alexander Bublik. Team Europe consists of Mensik, Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Flavio Cobolli, and Rafael Jodar. Only 20-year-old Jodar will be brand new to the team format and electric black court atmosphere.
“Having [Jodar] on the team, it’s always a positive thing,” Mensik said. “He showed some great performances, had really great results this season, so he’s for sure a strong guy on our team. We’re excited to have him.”
Jakub Mensik is 2-1 in Laver Cup singles and doubles action during his career.
Giving advice to the rookie
Mensik is ready to shed some light on what it means to play Laver Cup. His advice for the young Spaniard is simple: enjoy it, be relaxed and don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself. The Laver Cup days are packed with on and off-court action, and the best way to prepare is to channel your energy into competing and supporting your teammates.
“Those three days when you are there, even if you are not playing and just sitting on the bench, it’s something that’s taking your energy, that you have to put everything into it,” Mensik said.
At Laver Cup, rivals become teammates and Mensik is all too familiar with the transition. At Roland-Garros, his breakthrough run was stopped by future teammate Zverev, who went on to win his first major in Paris, and his second at the US Open. In the mixed doubles final in New York, Mensik and Muchova defeated Belinda Bencic and Team Europe’s Flavio Cobolli in a deciding match tiebreak.
“We know each other pretty well, so it’s much easier that we are friends as well,” Mensik said of Team Europe. “It’s really something different than just playing on your own.”
In 12 months, Mensik has gone from newcomer to experienced teammate with much to offer both on and off the court.
