Mensik: "I know I have chances to win the tournament, I see myself with maximum confidence"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 3 Jun 2026 | 01.03

Jakub Mensik speaks after defeating Fonseca at Roland Garros. Photo: gettyimages

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Jakub Mensik continues to star in an unforgettable tournament at Roland Garros 2026. The Czech player qualified for the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career after defeating Joao Fonseca in one of the most anticipated matches among the emerging stars on the circuit.

At 19 years old, Jakub Mensik is experiencing the peak of his professional career and appears increasingly comfortable on the big stages. After the match, the Czech player explained how he managed to overcome Fonseca's challenge, talked about the importance of arriving in Paris without physical issues for the first time in a long while, and acknowledged that, although there is still a long way to go, he is starting to feel capable of aiming for increasingly ambitious goals.

What did Jakub Mensik say after defeating Fonseca at Roland Garros 2026?

The satisfaction of overcoming another top talent of his generation

"I am very happy with the victory. Joao was playing incredible tennis throughout the tournament, and I knew it would be a very tough match."

"I believe I managed the crucial moments very well. I had played several tough matches this week and knew I had to stay focused from start to finish. I am very satisfied with how I handled the situation."

The importance of arriving healthy at Roland Garros

"My mother was very happy that I finally made it to Roland Garros well-prepared, without any injuries, and able to play without pain. As the tournament progresses, I feel like I am playing better and better. Even the match against Zverev in Madrid was very close. It was a best-of-three sets match, and there were many positive moments that helped me believe in my level."

"The most important thing for me right now is to be healthy. Being able to compete without physical limitations completely changes things and allows me to express my tennis in a very different way."

Learning alongside Novak Djokovic

"I have a very good relationship with Novak. Whenever we have the chance, we talk, and I try to learn as much as possible from him. When I was younger, I observed many things about his work ethic and competitiveness. Having the opportunity to spend time with someone like him is very valuable for any player."

"Of course, we talk about tennis and many other things. I try to absorb all the experience I can because he has achieved practically everything in this sport."

His most complete performance in Paris

"It was probably my most complete performance of the tournament. Against Rublev, I was up two sets, and suddenly he broke my serve at the beginning of the third set. The match turned completely, and I had to regain control. This time, I felt like I managed to sustain the momentum on my side for much longer, and that was crucial for securing the victory."

Is he starting to see himself as a title contender?

"It is these moments that give meaning to all the work. You train every day and make all the sacrifices that this sport demands to experience these moments."

"I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to be here and to play at the level I am showing. I feel healthy, focused, and in very good shape."

"When you reach a Grand Slam semifinal, only four players remain. At this stage, the difference between everyone is very small, and anyone can beat anyone."

"I'm not saying I'm the favorite, but I do believe I have chances. I don't think my tournament has to necessarily end in the semifinals. I have confidence in my abilities and am eager to face the next match."

"Of course, winning a Grand Slam has always been my dream. Although it may seem closer now, the reality is that it is still far away. I am happy to have reached the semifinals, but there is still a lot of work to do."

Support from his surroundings in Paris

"I am very happy because Paris is relatively close to home, and many of my family members have been able to come. My parents arrived for the previous match, my girlfriend is here with me, and today Robert Trumler, my traveling coach, also joined. I have practically all my team and all my people close by."

"Seeing so many people supporting me from the stands means a lot to me. Knowing that all those people are on your side gives you a special energy during the tough moments of the match."

The curious incident before the match

"It didn't affect me much, although there was a small misunderstanding with the organizers. It was one of my last chances to practice because all the courts were occupied. There were junior matches, doubles, and many other competitions going on."

"The organizers decided to close the court before it started to rain. From their perspective, it made sense because the forecast was bad. From ours, we wanted to seize those minutes to continue practicing."

"In the end, both sides were right. I lost about ten minutes of training, but then I could return to the court and finish preparing for the match, so it wasn't too important."

Jakub Mensik continues to take huge strides in Roland Garros 2026. The Czech player has put behind the physical issues that hindered part of his progression in recent years and is making the most of the opportunity to compete without limitations. With a place in the Grand Slam semifinals already secured and growing confidence in his abilities, Mensik confirms that he is part of the group of young talents poised to shape the immediate future of world tennis.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mensik: "Sé que tengo opciones de ganar el torneo, me veo con máxima confianza"

Jakub Mensik