The Brazilian João Fonseca will have a great challenge this Wednesday (22/10), in the second round of the ATP 500 in Basel. The opponent will be the Czech Jakub Mensikcurrently number 19 in the world rankings and one of the most promising young people on the circuit. The match is scheduled to start at around 3pm (Brasília time), broadcast on ESPN2, Disney+ Premium and Tennis TV.
At 20 years old, Mensik is experiencing the best phase of his career. Right-handed, 1.96m tall and with a two-handed backhand, he achieved his best ranking in August – 16th place – and has already achieved impressive results this season. In March, he won the most important title of his career so far: the Masters 1000 in Miami, beating none other than Novak Djokovic in the final. In the same tournament, he beat big names like Jack Draper, Arthur Fils and Taylor Fritz. Before that, on the youth circuit, he was runner-up in the Australian Open U18 in 2022.
In 2025, the Czech has recorded 32 wins and 20 losses, and arrives at the clash after beating the Swiss Henry Bernet in his debut in Basel. The game was balanced, with two tie-breaks and a decision only in the tiebreaker set. Menšík showed maturity and control in decisive moments, even facing an opponent pushed by the local fans.
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Jakub Mensik: estilo de jogo
Mensik’s playing style is marked by the power of his serve, considered one of the most efficient among the 100 best in the world. He ranks second in aces (16.2%) and unreturned first serves (52.6%), as well as being fifth in points won with first serves (78.3%).
His two-handed backhand is one of the most solid on the tour, and his forehand, previously irregular, has been improving consistently. The Czech’s main vulnerability is on the second serve, where he has high rates of double faults (4.5%) and modest success (48.9%).
Even so, Mensik tends to adapt his strategy depending on the opponent. He tends to force the second serve more against aggressive returners — like Fonseca — and seeks more security against less offensive players. This reading of the game was decisive in recent victories, including over the Brazilian himself in the Next Gen Finals and over Bernet in his debut in Basel.
João Fonseca x Jakub Mensik: analysis of the game and who is the favorite
In the only duel between the two tennis players, which took place at Next Gen 2024, João Fonseca emerged victorious. The Brazilian eliminated Jakub Mensik by 3 sets to 2 (3/4, 4/3, 4/3, 3/4 and 4/3).
To win again, João Fonseca will need to vary his returns and prevent the Czech from dominating the points right after the serve. In his debut in Basel, against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the Rio native used short blocks and returns with backspin to neutralize the Frenchman’s serve. Against Mensik, however, the strategy must be more dynamic, alternating between blocks and returns with topspin, seeking to push the rival to the back of the court.
Experts believe that it may be more advantageous for Fonseca to risk deeper returns, even with a greater margin of error, than to return short and allow Mensik to dictate the pace. If the Brazilian manages to attack his opponent’s second serve and find a balance between aggression and consistency, his chances increase considerably.
The confrontation promises to be balanced, but slight favoritism is on the side of the Czech, who is going through a great moment and has one of the most dangerous serves on the circuit. Still, Fonseca arrives confident and with a good chance of surprising.
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