The Serbian legend lost in straight sets to the young Czech player as he missed out on winning his 100th tour title but stressed that his opponent has the potential to become one of the world's "top players".

Djokovic said: "Congratulations to Mensik and his team.

"[I'm] never really happy to lose, but he's one of the very few players that I would be happier to lose to, to be honest.

"I have seen him play when he was 15 or 16 and invited him. We had some training blocks together. He was training at my club in Belgrade, and to see his development and evolution is really great, amazing."

Djokovic explained that he first noticed Mensik's potential when he reached the boys' singles final of the Australian Open in 2022.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner said: "I could see back then already — three, four years ago — that he's going to be one of the top players in the world.

"I’m super glad that he's using the potential that he has, because he's got the complete game. Obviously, his serve is incredible, powerful, precise, wins a lot of free points with the first serve.

"Backhand, as well. Czech school, they always have a great backhand. But forehand, he's improved a lot. And movement for a tall, big guy like that, he slides and moves well. He can still improve, of course. So, I'm sure we'll be seeing him around."

Despite the agony of defeat in the final, Djokovic was pleased with how he performed in Miami.

The former world number one said: "Overall, obviously, now [I have a] bitter taste because of the loss. But Miami, as I said on the court, really brought me a lot of joy and really good sensations on and off the court.

"I was welcomed very nicely by people and supported. Incredible again tonight, great support from the stadium in the match.

"They were pushing me on and trying to give me strength for a comeback. Very grateful. Just enjoyed my experience overall. It was [an] amazing run.

"Unfortunately, [it] ended with a loss in the final, but I played some really good tennis up to today."