Wimbledon’s grass-court surface is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful on the ATP Tour.
However, playing on the surface does not come naturally to many, as many players are not afforded the opportunity to play on these courts – which are often difficult to maintain.
Managing surface upkeep throughout wet and windy winter months and baking hot summer months is a difficult process, resulting in many clubs opting for hard courts, which are easier to manage.
Ahead of Wimbledon, one notable ATP player has admitted his time on grass was extremely limited during his younger years.
Jakub Mensik admits he has hardly played on grass ahead of Wimbledon
World number 17 Jakub Mensik revealed his almost non-existent childhood grass court experience after victory at the Eastbourne Open over Reilly Opelka.
Speaking to Tennis TV on Wednesday afternoon, the Czech star was asked how much time he spent playing on grass as a youngster.
Mensik replied: “Never.”
The interviewer responded: “Never?”
Mensik went on to explain, saying he used to feel like ‘an elephant on the skates’ when playing on grass.
He said: “Never, I mean of course right now it’s my second season so you know so it’s my ninth or tenth match of my career on the grass court so I mean if I’m not counting Juniors’ Wimbledon then last year and this year is my first time on the grass.
“Like I’m saying last year[‘s] first matches I was feeling on the grass like an elephant on skates.
“I’m glad [that during my] second year I am already feeling much better, and every match I’m getting better and better and that’s the most important thing.”
The Czech sensation will face either Australia’s James Duckworth or Spanish sixth seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the next round.
The 19-year-old has shot up the ATP Tour rankings in 2025, helped by his stunning Miami Open victory in March.
Mensik’s impressive serving performance against Reilly Opelka at the Eastbourne Open
Reilly Opelka is well regarded as one of the biggest and best servers on the ATP Tour. However, his serve was second-best against the Czech star.
The 19-year-old served 12 aces to Opelka’s 10, while also winning 73 per cent of his first-serve points and 81 per cent of his second-serve points.
Aside from his serving performance, Mensik won two of his three break-point opportunities and did not give Opelka a single break-point opportunity during the entire match.
It was a performance that put Mensik in good standing, then, ahead of Wimbledon beginning on 30th June.
