Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic celebrated a remarkable achievement on Saturday, January 17, 2026, as he won the Men’s singles final at the ASB Classic, held at the Manuka Doctor Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. This victory marked a significant milestone in the young athlete’s career, following his stunning defeat of Casper Ruud at the Australian Open last year and a triumphant title at the Miami Open.
In a heartwarming moment after clinching the title, Mensik dedicated his win to his girlfriend, Josefina Catino. The emotion of the occasion was palpable, as he expressed his gratitude during the on-court interview. This genuine tribute resonated with fans and was highlighted by the ASB Classic’s social media, showcasing Mensik’s victory celebration. Josefina, originally from Argentina and studying tourism while also having worked as a flight attendant, shared her pride on social media, writing, “Second of many. I’m the proudest.”
Mensik, who prefers to keep his personal life out of the limelight, has frequently acknowledged the strength of their relationship, which he described as successful despite being long-distance. He attributes the maturity and support they share as a significant influence on his performance on the court. After a previous match, she had cheered him on, exclaiming, “My darling. You’re a damn crazy!” which reflected her enthusiastic encouragement throughout his career.
During the ASB Classic final, Mensik demonstrated remarkable stability and composure, particularly when he faced adversity in the second-set tie-break. After trailing 3-6, he remarkably clawed back to win the match 6-3, 7-6(7) in just 82 minutes. Throughout the match, his statistics were impressive; he tallied 11 aces and showcased a strong serving performance, winning 95% of points on his first serve.
This victory not only secured him the title but also made him the youngest Auckland champion since Juan Martin del Potro in 2009. Following his impressive win, Mensik expressed confidence in his performance and his promising start to the year, saying, “I’m super happy for the win.” By claiming the title, he has improved his ATP ranking, rising to No. 17.
As he prepares for the Australian Open, Mensik aims to carry forward the momentum from his ASB Classic success and is set to face Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round. With a strong start to the season, fans are hopeful for his continued progress and performance as he tackles the challenges that lie ahead in Melbourne.