Jenson Brooksby, a 24-year-old tennis player, achieved a historic win at the Houston Open, becoming the third-lowest ranked player to ever win an ATP title. He defeated Frances Tiafoe with a score of 6-4, 6-2 in the final match.
Throughout the tournament, the American athlete demonstrated incredible resilience, saving match points in three separate matches leading up to his victory.
Brooksby`s victory is particularly inspiring as he has openly discussed his struggles with severe autism since childhood. Despite being ranked No. 507 before the tournament, his determination and unique playing style led him to triumph.
He revealed that he was diagnosed with severe autism as a young child and was non-verbal until the age of four. From the age of two, he underwent intensive therapy, sometimes up to 40 hours a week.
Brooksby believes that overcoming these early life challenges has strengthened his mental fortitude on the tennis court.
Speaking to ATP media after his win, Brooksby acknowledged the various adversities he has faced both in tennis and in life. He feels that these experiences, while making him nervous at times, provide a valuable perspective when dealing with pressure situations.
Brooksby first gained attention in 2021 when he reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open as a wildcard, even taking a set from Novak Djokovic. However, his career faced a setback when he was suspended from tennis for 13 months for missed drug tests.
Brooksby explained to the BBC that his autism made it challenging to manage the administrative aspects of anti-doping regulations, despite having his agent assist him. He sees his ability to focus on a few key things as a strength, but the numerous demands on professional players can be overwhelming for him.
Now, Brooksby has processed his suspension and is focused on moving forward with his career. After his ban was reduced on appeal, he became eligible to return in March 2024. However, injuries delayed his comeback until the Australian Open this year.
Despite doubting his return to professional tennis just months prior, Brooksby has now achieved the milestone of winning a tour-level title.
Known for his distinctive game, featuring slices and skillful redirection of pace, Brooksby entered the Houston Open as a wildcard entrant in the qualifying rounds due to his low ranking.
Comeback King
His path to victory was remarkable. Brooksby saved a match point in his first qualifying match and then three more in the main draw against Alejandro Tabilo. He continued his impressive run by defeating top seed Tommy Paul in the semi-finals.
In the final against Tiafoe, Brooksby started strong, taking a 4-0 lead. Although Tiafoe fought back to level the set, Brooksby remained composed, secured a break, and won the first set. He maintained his momentum in the second set, ultimately winning the match in straight sets.
In his on-court interview after the victory, Brooksby thanked his team for their support throughout the week, highlighting the intensity of the qualifying rounds and his journey to the title.
This title win is expected to propel Brooksby up the rankings significantly, and his Houston performance demonstrates that he is a formidable competitor once again.
