It's Mensik's time as he denies idol Novak 100th title

CZECH teenager Jakub Mensik declared "it is my time" after beating his idol Novak Djokovic to win his maiden ATP Tour title at the Miami Open.

- By Neil McLeman

The new world No.24, who nearly withdrew before the tournament with a knee injury, wrote on the TV camera: "#1st of many".

The Serbian superstar had invited Mensik, now 19, to train with him in Belgrade as a junior.

But Mensik repaid Djokovic, who turns 38 next month, by beating him 7-6 7-6 in the rain-delayed final to deny him his 100th title.

The emergence of yet another potential young superstar shows how difficult it will be for the 24-time Grand Slam champion to stay at the top of the sport.

Mensik said: "I was watching him growing up and because of him I started to play tennis.