It started so easily for Jenson Brooksby. Perhaps too easily. In the final of the 2025 US Men's Clay Court Championship against Frances Tiafoe, the 24-year-old raced out to a 4-0 lead in just 16 minutes. He appeared to be quickly on the cusp of winning his first title on the ATP tour.
In many ways, Brooksby taking the title would have been fitting. April is Autism Awareness Month, and in December of 2024, the player revealed he had been diagnosed with autism. Until age five, he was non-verbal. His ability to become a professional tennis player should be uplifting to anyone who struggles with the neurodevelopmental condition and the families and loved ones of those who do.
Brooksby has been ranked as high as 33 in his short career, but by the start of the Houston-based tournament, he had fallen outside the top 500—no more worries with that. Eve before the final, he had risen 278 spots to No. 221. With the victory, he is now No. 172.
Jenson Brooksby defeats Frances Tiafoe to earn first ATP tour-level victory
Still, the beginning of Brooksby's match did not indicate how the rest of the first set would go. After taking four straight games to begin the match, he lost four straight to see Tiafoe get even at 4-all. Brooksby did not wilt, though; he got another break of serve off his fellow American and won set one 6-4.
Both players played brilliant tennis. The crowd reacted loudly on many points when one play would click the tape, only to have the other get back a return and do the same. The rain during the Saturday semifinals slowed the court, which was more of an advantage for Brooksby. Tiafoe's forehand is one of the best on the ATP tour, but the muddy court in Houston dampened it.
Tiafoe's normally happy outbursts seemed tempered as well. He did not celebrate as much as winning some exciting points. He would have done so at a Grand Slam and needs to do that at smaller events, too.
Brooksby might have had the shot of the tournament, leading 2-2 in the second set, but with a break-point. Tiafoe hit a shot deep to Brooksby's right, but Brooksby was able to run the ball down and hit a backhand that screamed down the line for a winner to get the break. He held on his next service game to make the second set 5-2.
To earn his first career title, Brooksby broke Tiafoe again to take the match 6-4 6-2. During his run in the tournament, he saved match point in three different matches. In the final, he dominated Frances Tiafoe. The next step for him to get back inside the top 100.