This year’s final of the men’s junior tournament was at a level that they would not be ashamed of and which they will play in the decisive match of the seniors on Sunday.
In the junior finals, seeded with number 1, Bruno Kuzuhara from the USA defeated the tournament “four”, i.e. the Czech Jakub Mensik 7-6 (7), 6-7 (6), 7-5. The murderous duel lasted 4 hours and 13 minutes!
Mensik took the hardships of the meeting very badly, and during the third set he showed clear signs of malaise. With the score of 5: 4 for Kuzuhara, the Czech Republic asked for a medical break, which he spent in an unusual position.
Despite health problems Mensik finished the match. In his last moments, however, dramatic scenes took place. At 6: 5, the Czech served for Kuzuhara. Although the game started with 0:30, he managed to win two more points and lead to a draw. One of them was very long and required inhuman effort.
Dramatic scenes in the Australian Open junior final
At 30:30, Mensik began to struggle with powerful contractions, which made him barely stick to his legs. This is why the Czech made two consecutive double service mistakes, thanks to which Kuzuhara could enjoy the victory.
After the second double service error, Mensik fell on the court and was unable to get up on his own. Kuzuhara was the first to reach him and he checked his rival’s health. Moments later, the medical services appeared at the young tennis player.
Mensik finally left court in a wheelchair and did not attend the trophy ceremony or the post-match press conference. – Man, what a game it was. Thank you. We have pushed each other to the brink of endurance. I hope you get better soon – Kuzuhara said on her.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
