Andre Agassi Questions Jakub Mensik’s Decision to Add Mental Coach Ahead of French Open Semi-Final

Jakub Mensik’s remarkable run at the 2026 French Open has made him one of the biggest talking points in tennis. The 20-year-old Czech star reached his maiden Grand Slam semi-final after a series of impressive performances at Roland Garros, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents on the ATP Tour. His breakthrough campaign has drawn praise from players, coaches, and pundits across the tennis world.

Ahead of his highly anticipated semi-final clash against Alexander Zverev, Mensik made headlines for another reason. The young Czech revealed that he had brought in a mental coach during the latter stages of the tournament, a move that sparked debate among tennis analysts covering the event. The decision became a major discussion point as Mensik prepared for the biggest match of his career.

Among those weighing in was tennis legend and former world No. 1 Andre Agassi. Speaking as part of TNT Sports’ Roland Garros coverage, Agassi questioned the timing of the move, suggesting that a player who has already reached a Grand Slam semi-final should trust the mindset and processes that helped him get there.

Andre Agassi Believes Jakub Mensik Should Trust His Existing Formula

Jakub Mensik entered the semi-finals riding a wave of confidence after defeating several high-quality opponents, including a straight-sets quarter-final victory over Joao Fonseca. The Czech youngster also received encouragement from Novak Djokovic during his impressive Paris campaign, underlining the growing respect he commands within the sport.

“I’m not a big fan of bringing in a mental coach in the semi-finals of a Slam. You’re supposed to bring in your mum at that stage. Like, ‘come on, mum, you’ve got to come watch me play the semis’. But bringing in a mental coach? I don’t know. It seems like there’s only a downside for that mental coach,” Agassi said.

Agassi admitted he was “not a big fan” of bringing a mental coach into the team at such a crucial stage of a Grand Slam. The eight-time major champion indicated that reaching the final four of Roland Garros is evidence that a player’s mental approach is already working effectively. In his view, making significant adjustments during the tournament could risk disrupting the rhythm and confidence that produced the breakthrough run.

Ultimately, Mensik’s dream run ended in the semi-finals as Zverev secured a four-set victory to reach the French Open final.