WATCH: Jakub Mensik shook by mid-match doping test request during Next Gen ATP Finals

A year defined by strange doping controversies continued at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals when Jakub Mensik emerged from a bathroom break irate from a mid-match doping test request.

Mensik was down two sets in his match against Arthur Fils when he left the court for a break, only to be confronted by the unexpected ask from an anti-doping official. While out-of-competition anti-doping tests can take place at any time, fellow ATP pro Christopher Eubanks confirmed that they do not take place while players are “in the course of a match.”

“It came down to somebody didn’t understand the rules,” surmised Eubanks, who was speaking as an analyst during a Tennis Channel Live segment. “I think, clearly Mensik had a doping test after the match. That’s how it happens: post-match is when you do your doping tests. There was probably some miscommunication where, when he came into the locker room, maybe the doping person didn’t understand the match was not over.”

Clearly, there was a bit of confusion there. Mensik came on court, clearly upset and rightfully so. He had a conversation with the chair umpire, who assured him that they’re in the wrong. Hopefully this doesn’t happen again. Christopher Eubanks on Tennis Channel Live

The tennis world is still reeling from the shock positive tests incurred by ATP and WTA world No. 1s Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, who were later found to bear No Fault and No Significant Fault for their respective failed tests. , while Swiatek served a one-month ban that allows her to compete the 2025 season as planned.

Mensik, who has yet to speak publicly, is unlikely to receive any penalty for the incident provided he complied with the request following his three-set defeat to Fils in Riyadh.

“I’ve had to deal with it a few times where you’re walking off the court after a tough loss, you see the person standing there with the clipboard,” recalled Eubanks. “When you see them, you know exactly who it is and what they want, even if you travel all over the world and they’re not the same faces every time. They’re local people who help out with facilitating doping tests, and when you see that person come up to you with a clipboard, players typically tell them they have to follow them all the way up until they’re able to give a sample. They have to keep eyes on you the entire time post-match.

“Clearly, there was a bit of confusion there,” he added. “Mensik came on court, clearly upset and rightfully so. He had a conversation with the chair umpire, who assured him that they’re in the wrong. Hopefully this doesn’t happen again.”

Mensik, who is 0-2 in Blue Group play at the Next Gen ATP Finals, will play his final round-robin match against undefeated João Fonseca on Friday.