AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 13, 2025

Jakub Mensik

Press Conference

J. MENSIK/N. Basilashvili

6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Congrats, Jakub. How does it feel to get a first-round victory in Melbourne?

JAKUB MENSIK: Yeah, obviously, you know, I like to play here, you know, since from my juniors career. So I really like the facilities here, the town and everything.

So I feel really confident and very good on the court. So, I mean, today was really tough match for me, because Basilashvili, former top-20 player, he has the quality, the experiences.

I knew it's going to be difficult match, but I'm glad that I was on the court less time, you know, because, you know, this weather here in Australia, it's always good to spend as less time as possible on the court.

So, yeah, I mean, I'm glad that I won today, happy with my performance, and yeah, we will looking forward for next match.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. What worked today? What made you better?

JAKUB MENSIK: Tough to say, you know, because he was playing, you know, full power with everything, you know. I mean, from the baseline and also, I mean, the main key was the beginning of the points, you know, like, the serve, return-plus-one shots.

Then when it was the rally, you know, it was basically up to him, because sometimes he made four winners, you know, in the game. Sometimes he made four mistakes.

So I was just patient, you know. I tried to be patient, you know. And during the second set and first half of the third set he played really good.

But then I had the opportunity, you know. He did some mistakes, you know. I take it, and then, I mean, that was the key to stay focused, you know, and keep believing that the chances will come.