Jakub Menšík became the absolute winner of Zlatý kanár

Czech tennis has a new king. The first place in Zlatý kanár was won for the first time in his career by the twenty-year-old talent Jakub Menšík.

The native of Prostějov and this year’s winner of the Miami Open became the first male winner of Zlatý kanár since 2010, when the poll was won by Tomáš Berdych. In doing so, he ended a fifteen-year dominance by female winners.

In the vote of experts, officials, and journalists, he received a total of 62 votes, defeating runner-up Linda Nosková (46 votes) and third-placed Kateřina Siniaková (31 votes). Both Linda and Jakub Menšík are our ambassadors, with whom we have long-term cooperation, which is why their success in this poll brings us particular joy. Although Jakub was unable to attend the gala evening in person at the SK Precheza Přerov Hall due to ongoing preparations abroad, he said in a video message that the victory surprised him and that he sees it as a great commitment—to ensure he truly deserves the title of king of Czech tennis in the future as well.

In addition to the overall victory, Jakub Menšík also received the award for the biggest rise in the ATP rankings, having climbed 30 places during the season to reach his current world No. 19 position. The Men’s Player of the Year award went to Jiří Lehečka, while Linda Nosková triumphed among the women.

Winners in individual categories:

• Zlatý kanár: Jakub Menšík
• Best Czech male tennis player: Jiří Lehečka
• Best Czech female tennis player: Linda Nosková
• Biggest rise in the ATP rankings: Jakub Menšík
• Biggest rise in the WTA rankings: Tereza Valentová
• Talent of the Year – Boys: Jakub Kusý
• Talent of the Year – Girls: Jana Kovačková
• Doubles Player of the Year: Kateřina Siniaková
• Team of the Year: Český daviscupový tým
• Senior of the Year: Barbora Koutná (TJ Baník Ostrava OKD)
• Best Wheelchair Tennis Player: Pavel Gazda (Zlín)
• Český tenisový svaz Award for Lifetime Contribution to Czech Tennis: Vlastimil Melka (long-time head coach and official of TK Precheza Přerov), Zdena Novotná (successful Přerov player and youth coach)

At the gala awards evening, two prominent figures of Czech tennis also officially bid farewell to their professional careers: Petra Kvitová and Petr Pála, the non-playing captain of the women’s national team. Both received standing ovations in the SK Precheza Přerov Hall.

We warmly congratulate Linda, Jakub, and all the other winners on a successful season and wish them the best of luck in the upcoming one!

The full recording of the gala evening is available in the archive of Česká televize.