Throughout 196 ATP Challenger Tour events held worldwide in 2023, fans had the opportunity to discover young superstars, witness the comeback of experienced tour veterans and see historic runs before their eyes. ATPTour.com highlights five player storylines from the ATP Challenger Tour season.
Teenager Mensik Makes History
At 17 years, eight months, Jakub Mensik won the Prague Challenger to become the youngest Czech Challenger champion in history. In just his sixth Challenger outing, the teen completed a dream week, saving two match points in the quarter-finals two days before lifting the trophy.
The 2022 Australian Open boys’ singles finalist joined elite company, becoming one of five 17-year-old Challenger titlists in the past five years, alongside Jannik Sinner (2019), Carlos Alcaraz (2020), Shang Juncheng (2022). The only previous 17-year-old Czech champion was former World No. 4 Tomas Berdych, who captured two Challenger titles in 2003.
“I knew I could play with those guys, but I didn't have the experience. After a few tournaments, I really started to trust myself and play my best game,” Mensik told ATPTour.com in June. “In Prague, that tournament I felt very special on court. From the start, I beat the top seed [Radu Albot] and after that match, I was like, 'Let's continue'. Match by match, I felt more comfortable on the court. Then in a few days I became a champion. I felt very special and it was a very good experience for me. After losing in first rounds and qualifying rounds, I think it was faster than I expected.”
[ATP APP]