Jenson Brooksby finished off a dream run in Texas with a commanding win over Frances Tiafoe in the decider.
Tennis: Brooksby completes remarkable run at Houston Open
American tennis player Jenson Brooksby completed a remarkable title run at the Houston Open on Sunday in Texas, defeating No.2 seed Frances Tiafoe in the final in straight sets.
Brooksby entered the tournament ranked No.507 in the world, having only returned to the ATP Tour in January after serving an 18-month ban for missing a series of drug tests.
The 24-year-old came through qualifying of the ATP 250 event and saved match points in three of his five main-draw matches but was comfortable in victory over former champ Tiafoe, prevailing 6-4, 6-2.
“Thank you to my team. All the way from qualifying, match point down,” Brooksby said after the one-hour, 27-minute final.
“That’s pretty intense, so thanks for sticking with it, every match, every day here for me.
“The support has been amazing since round one of qualifying.
“Thank you, everybody. I’ve loved the support here and it’s great to be back in Texas.”
Brooksby was a +160 underdog across tennis betting sites heading into the decider, with Tiafoe — who has a strong record in Houston — priced as a -222.22 favorite.
“I wish I could’ve given you guys a better final today,” Tiafoe said afterwards.
“First, I want to congratulate Jenson. What a week.
“Coming from qualies, down match points. Ton of crazy matches.
“To win a title… You’ve been through a lot the last couple of years.
“I know this is massive for you and your team. Keep going brother. Hopefully more battles.
“I’ve got to get you.”
Besides Brooksby’s remarkable title run, Houston made history by becoming the first ATP event since the 1991 Orlando Open to feature all American players in the quarterfinals.
Tiafoe now heads to the Monte-Carlo Masters in Monaco to play the ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time in his career.
Tennis bookmakers have the American at long odds to win the title, with the world No.17 priced at +15000.
He plays Miomir Kecmanovic in his first match on Tuesday and is a +175 underdog at Nags.bet to defeat the Serbian.
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