For Qualifier Jenson Brooksby, his College Future is “Up in the Air” After US Open First Round Win Over Former Semifinalist Tomas Berdych
(August 26, 2019) FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY – Eighteen-year-old Jenson Brooksby has a tough decision to make. The 2018 USTA National 18’s junior champion is supposed to be playing college tennis at Baylor University come the fall, but on Monday he earned his first match won at a major tournament when he beat former US Open semifinalist and former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych in the first round of the US Open 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The 33-year-old Berdych admitted that he felt terrible on court and that he’s “not 24 anymore.” His season has been plagued by injuries.
“It’s amazing,” said Brooksby, ranked 394th in the world, will take on No. 17 Nikoloz Basilashvili in the second round. “[Berdych] has been a very good player, obviously, throughout the last decade and more. I’m just very excited to get through today.”
Brooksby played in last year’s US Open as a wildcard, earned by winning the US Boys’ National 18s title. What he learn from last year? “I wasn’t really ready for that stage yet last year because I hadn’t played even [ATP] Challengers for the most part,” Brooksby said. “Now I’ve played more Challengers and bigger tournaments, so I’m more ready for this stage this year.”
When asked about whether it’s a four-year tennis scholarship at Baylor University or turning professional, he said – “I haven’t decided whether I’m still going to college or not, it’s still up in the air,”
“I’ll see where the rest of the tournament ends up, and then also where my ranking is in the next two months after this.”
“The more I win here, the more likely it could go in the other direction.”
The Californian is guaranteed $100,000 dollars for reaching the second round.
Brooksby had a lot of fan support at the match and he loves it, “I know that I’m American and they want Americans to do well,” he said. “I appreciate that they want me to do well.”
“I think the fans like me a lot, which I’m very appreciative for.”
“I love their support.”
The Californian stayed after the match to sign many autographs, he may be signing many more in the future.
Karen Pestaina at the US Open
