#NextGenATP American Brooksby Downs Fritz In New York
#NextGenATP American Jenson Brooksby upstaged fellow Californian Taylor Fritz to reach the third round at a Grand Slam for the first time at Flushing Meadows on Thursday night. The 20-year-old further cemented his name as one of the best current US prospects with a 6-7(7), 7-6(10), 7-5, 6-2 victory over the World No. 42 on Grandstand after four hours and six minutes.
Sixth in the ATP Race to Milan, Brooksby’s 33 winners were 26 fewer than his opponent’s, but his 48 unforced errors paled in comparison to Fritz’s 74. Serving at 4-5, 15-15 in the third set, Brooksby showed great variety to pull off the shot of the match when he dragged Fritz in on a deft backhand drop shot before he flicked the forehand winner around the net post.
It proved pivotal as he went on to claim five straight games, including a crucial break to open the fourth set. Nerves came into play as Brooksby served for the match, but he finally sealed his place in the third round on his seventh match point.
“I’m feeling great to get through that one. There were a lot of different things that run through the mind, during the match and after. But I was proud within myself,” Brooksby said. “After a tough first set I was a little more down on myself and was able to switch it around and stay focused on what’s in my control. It definitely showed in being able to turn that around today, so I’m happy with my growth mentally, and also my game today.
“It’s really exciting. That’s what you do all the training for. Those are the moments to enjoy the most… a place like the US Open, my home Grand Slam, it doesn’t get more exciting than that. I loved that atmosphere.”
The younger of the two Americans was outside the Top 200 in the FedEx ATP Rankings less than four months ago, but a run to the final in Newport on grass and the Washington D.C. semi-finals on hard court helped him crack the Top 100 earlier this month. He will next meet 21st seed Aslan Karatsev, following the Russian’s earlier comeback from two sets down to beat Australian Jordan Thompson.
“I played him at the French [lost first round in 2021] and I’m sure we’ll go over the game plan of what to learn from when the time comes,” Brooksby said. “It’s the third round and I feel like I can keep pushing it further. I’m excited to get out there again and see what I can keep bringing.”