1Novak Djokovic
No. 1 — Novak Djokovic. On the lists of 6 of 7 AIs; median place there: 1. He invited teenage Mensik to train, and the AIs found that help clearly documented, even though Mensik later beat him.
Did you know
On the way to that 2008 title, Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the semifinal. Federer had beaten him in the 2007 US Open final. In the Australian Open final he lost the first set to Tsonga, then won in four.
- What it is
- Serbian star who invited a teenage Mensik to train with him.
- Its edge
- Has the clearest documented training invitation, tied directly to a rising player's later result.
- Who should know
- Useful for fans who wonder whether stars really help rivals who come after them.
- Mentee ranking peak after helpMensik beat him from No. 54
Why it is here
Mensik won Miami and moved from No. 54 to a career-high No. 24. That rise gives a clear result to compare with Djokovic’s earlier training invitation. — ATP Tour
History
In January 2008, 20-year-old Novak Djokovic beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Australian Open final. It was his first Grand Slam title and the first for any Serbian man.
Keep in mind
His repeat win at Dubai was far from smooth. He made 12 double faults and lost his serve six times, and Youzhny levelled the match after the rain break. Two breaks in the third set decided it.
Where to go further
Read the page on the 2010 Dubai tournament. Look at the final, where Djokovic beat Youzhny. It was his first defense there, so it marks where his run of different-city titles ended.
