Australian Open 2024: #NextGen stars Mensik, Assche announce their arrival with convincing wins in Round 1
By Ovaise Shariff | First Published Jan 15, 2024, 1:00 PM ISTJakub Mensik and Luca Van Assche made a splash at the Australian Open, securing their spots in the second round with impressive victories.
Emerging stars Jakub Mensik and Luca Van Assche, both part of the NextGenATP, achieved a milestone by reaching the second round at the Australian Open for the first time. The 18-year-old Czech, Mensik, marked his main-draw debut with an impressive victory over former World No. 10 Denis Shapovalov, winning 6-3, 7-5, 7-5. Mensik, who qualified for the tournament, will face the challenge of ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz or Australian qualifier Omar Jasika in the next round.
A new teen on the scene 😎
18-year-old scores an impressive 6-3 7-5 7-5 win over Shapovalov. • pic.twitter.com/44nLC88seU
Expressing his joy, Mensik stated, "It is an awesome feeling. It is just my second experience playing main draw at a Grand Slam, and I am pleased I got the win today." Reflecting on his confidence gained from reaching the third round at the US Open last year, Mensik highlighted his comfort in facing top-level opponents.
Voila! rallies back to oust local hope James Duckworth in five.
The Frenchman will take on Lorenzo Musetti in the next round. • pic.twitter.com/qsUQOka1UM
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Meanwhile, 19-year-old Frenchman Van Assche, who exited in the first round in Melbourne last year, displayed resilience in a hard-fought match against Australian James Duckworth. Van Assche secured a 6-7(2), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory in a marathon three hours and 36 minutes. The Next Gen ATP Finals participant won an impressive 88 percent of his first-serve points. Ranked No. 87 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Van Assche is set to face Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the second round, who advanced after defeating Benjamin Bonzi 7-6(3), 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2.
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