Jakub Mensik attributed beating Taylor Fritz to a pre-match encounter with Lionel Messi and an unwashed hand, setting up a final showdown with his idol, Novak Djokovic. Teenage tennis sensation Jakub Mensik joked that Lionel Messi was helpful in his thrilling three-set win over American No. 1 Taylor Fritz at the Miami Open semi-final. The 19-year-old secured his spot in Sunday’s title match at the Masters event against idol Novak Djokovic after a 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4) triumph over the third seed. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, was on the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Friday, watching 99-time ATP champion Djokovic defeat Grigor Dimitrov in the first semi-final contest. Although the Inter Miami star was not seen in the stands during Mensik’s match against Fritz, the 19-year-old met the Argentina international before stepping onto the court to face the third seed. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports Mensik credits Messi with maiden Masters final In his on-court interview, the Czech player revealed that his encounter with the football player and 2022 World Cup winner helped him through his Fritz test. “I shook his hand,” said the Czech teenager. “I was kind of chilling with him a bit so I didn’t wash my hand before stepping on court. That was the key for today.” Mensik also signed the camera with a message directed to the Inter Miami captain. What next for Mensik? The teenager’s victory over Fritz means he has advanced to his first Masters 1000 title match at the Florida-based event. Mensik will face his idol Djokovic in Sunday’s title match.