Qualifier Jenson Brooksby Shocks Tiafoe to Win US Clay Title
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Synopsis
In a remarkable turn of events, Jenson Brooksby, starting as a wildcard, triumphed at the US Men's Clay Court Championships by defeating Frances Tiafoe in the final. This victory marks his first ATP Tour title, making him the first American man to win an ATP title in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Jenson Brooksby claimed his first ATP Tour title at the US Men's Clay Court Championships.
- Brooksby defeated second seed Frances Tiafoe in the final.
- He faced five match points throughout the tournament and overcame them all.
- Brooksby is the first American male to win an ATP title in 2025.
- He is projected to rise to No. 172 in ATP rankings.
Houston, April 7 (NationPress) The wildcard qualifier Jenson Brooksby, who began the week ranked No. 507, achieved an impressive feat by winning seven consecutive matches to secure his inaugural ATP Tour title at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships.
Starting as a qualifying wild card, the 24-year-old American concluded his remarkable journey with a 6-4, 6-2 victory in the final against second seed and 2023 Houston champion Frances Tiafoe.
With this title, Brooksby has made history as the first American man to clinch an ATP title in 2025.
During the tournament, he faced five match points across three out of his seven matches: one in his initial qualifying round, three in the second round against No. 3 seed Alejandro Tabilo, and one in the semifinal against top seed Tommy Paul. This accomplishment makes Brooksby only the eighth player since 2015 to fend off match points in multiple matches while securing the title.
"Winning this title means a lot to me. Honestly, this has been the best week of my life. I hadn't won any of my three previous ATP Finals, and those were from three years ago. A major goal in my comeback was to earn my first title. I tried not to overthink it as I neared the finish line, but I’m incredibly happy to walk away with this trophy," Brooksby expressed.
Brooksby set multiple records during his championship run at the US Clay event. He is the second US Clay champion in the Open Era since 1972 to defeat the top three seeds on his path to victory: No. 1 Paul, No. 2 Tiafoe, and No. 3 Tabilo.
Additionally, Brooksby is the first qualifier to win the US Clay title since Fernando Gonzalez from Chile in 2000, and he stands as the lowest-ranked champion in the tournament's Open Era history. He is anticipated to rise to No. 172 in the ATP rankings next week, climbing over 300 spots throughout the tournament.
Tiafoe, the reigning 2023 US Clay champion and a two-time finalist (2025, 2024), became the fourth player to reach three consecutive US Clay finals, being the first since Andy Roddick from 2001 to 2005. He has won 10 of his last 12 matches in Houston.
