By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday September 6, 2021
Jenson Brooksby, playing in just his fourth Grand Slam main draw, has done nothing but impress at the 2021 US Open. Even in defeat on Day 8, as he fell to Novak Djokovic in four sets on Monday night, the 20-year-old American turned heads.
After Djokovic recorded his 25th consecutive win at the Grand Slams, the World No.1 praised Brooksby, who took the opening set from him and also pushed him in the second set before Djokovic pulled away for the 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory.
“He disguises his drop shots and his slices very well,” said Djokovic. “He’s so talented, he’s very crafty from the back of the court and he’s a very intelligent player. No doubt about it and he’s only 20, there’s a lot of time ahead of him. America has a bright future in tennis, for sure.”
While commentating the match for ESPN, John McEnroe and Brad Gilbert each predicted that Brooksby, who is currently ranked 99, will reach the Top 10.
“He’s got Top-10 written all over him in the next couple of years,” John McEnroe said on ESPN during the match.
Gilbert said that he’d make the Top-10, and could be a Top-5 player if he improves his serve.
Brooksby himself is just happy to be growing and gaining experience.
“It's definitely all positive things to take away,” he said. “I learned my game. I'm feeling really confident in my game. I believe I can compete with anybody.”
Djokovic said he was impressed with Brooksby’s mental game as much as his tennis.
“He's young. He's 20,” he said. “He's got plenty of time. He showed also I think mental maturity on the court. Stepped in, and considering the circumstances, his first Arthur Ashe Stadium match, against me, night session, I think he managed himself very well. He was motivated and did his best. I have to congratulate him and say that I was impressed with his game but also with his behavior.
“Yeah, I think we're going to see a lot of him in the future. I mean, he has the means. Now, obviously a lot of things have to come together, but he has a bit of an unorthodox game, does a lot with the feel. But he's smart. He knows how to win points.”