Tennis
Novak Djokovic’s Miami Open final rival thanks Lionel Messi after unusual pre-match choice
Jakub Mensik faces Novak Djokovic in the final of the Miami Open after surprisingly crediting Lionel Messi for his semi-final win over home favourite Taylor Fritz. Czech star Mensik came on top in a third-set tiebreaker, firing 25 aces to book a first ATP Masters 1000 final against his hero.
Football great Messi, now of MLS outfit Inter Miami, was one of the famous faces in attendance at the Hard Rock Stadium. TV cameras spotted him throughout the matches and even spent time with 19-year-old Mensik before he took to the court.
&w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "Explained: Why Lionel Messi's personal bodyguard is banned from sidelines during Inter Miami matches?")
&w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "Explained: Why Lionel Messi's personal bodyguard is banned from sidelines during Inter Miami matches?")
&w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "No Messi magic as Los Angeles beat Inter Miami in first leg of CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final")
&w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "No Messi magic as Los Angeles beat Inter Miami in first leg of CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final")
