Novak Djokovic remained tight-lipped about an injury he appeared to be suffering with as he was defeated in the Miami Open final.
After comfortably making his way to Sunday’s final at the Hard Rock Stadium, Djokovic had his sights set on claiming the 100th singles title of his distinguished career.
However, the former world No 1 was ultimately denied following an impressive performance from 19-year-old Czech Jakuk Mensik.
The Czech stunned the crowd in attendance on the hard court to claim a straight sets victory 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) and secure his first masters title.
However, during proceedings a significant amount of attention online was focused on Djokovic, as he appeared to be carrying an injury during the match.
During an early break, he could be seen applying eye drops as a welt appeared to swell under his right eye.
Novak Djokovic appeared to be playing with an injury to his eye during the Miami Open final
The 37-year-old was defeated in straight sets by Czech prospect Jakub Mensik on Sunday
Djokovic heaped praise on the 19-year-old as he remained tight-lipped about his swollen eye
Speaking following the defeat Djokovic refused to make excuses for his performance, detailing what he called a ‘weird day’ and insisting when asked that he ‘really prefers not to talk about’ his eye.
‘It’s unfortunate for me. Two tiebreaks, just a very weird match, a weird day with a rain delay and all the things that were happening,’ he admitted.
‘Honestly, I didn’t feel my greatest on the court, but it is what it is. Nothing to take away from his victory.’
Djokovic also hailed Mensik as the teenager secured the biggest win of his burgeoning career and insisted that he is one to watch for the future.
He continued: ‘[I’m] never really happy to lose, but he’s one of the very few players that I would be happier to lose to, to be honest.
‘I’m super glad that he’s using the potential that he has, because he’s got the complete game. Obviously, his serve is incredible, powerful, precise, wins a lot of free points with the first serve.
‘Backhand, as well. Czech school, they always have a great backhand. But forehand, he’s improved a lot. And movement for a tall, big guy like that, he slides and moves well. He can still improve, of course. So I’m sure we’ll be seeing him around.’
