Qualifier Brooksby stuns Tiafoe, wins US Clay

Houston

Jenson Brooksby, ranked just 507 at the start of the week, shocked tennis fans by winning the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships. The 24-year-old American, a qualifier and wildcard entrant, beat second seed Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6-2 in the final to lift his first-ever ATP Tour title.

This win makes Brooksby the first American man to win an ATP title in 2025. He also became the lowest-ranked player in tournament history to win the title and the first qualifier since 2000 to do so.

Brooksby had a stunning run throughout the week. He won seven matches in a row, saving five match points along the way—including one in his first qualifying match, three against No. 3 seed Alejandro Tabilo, and another in his semifinal against top seed Tommy Paul. He’s only the eighth player since 2015 to save match points in multiple matches and still win the title.

“This is the best week of my life,” Brooksby said. “Winning my first title was one of my comeback goals, and I’m so proud to achieve it here.”

Brooksby also became only the second player in the tournament’s history to defeat all top three seeds—Paul, Tiafoe, and Tabilo—en route to the title.

Frances Tiafoe, who won the event in 2023, reached his third straight US Clay final. He joins a select group of players, including Andy Roddick, with this feat. Despite the loss, Tiafoe has won 10 of his last 12 matches in Houston.