20-year-old Jenson Brooksby first came into the limelight with his stellar performances in the US Open Series. However, at the US Open 2021, he played the best tennis of his young career in front of his home crowd. Most significantly, he showed his worth against Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic in the pre-quarters.
Adding to his dream run, Brooksby got the perfect start against Djokovic. Astonishingly, he dominated the 34-year-old in the opening set of the match. Not to forget the unreal support he received from local fans in Arthur Ashe.
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While he and the fans believed in it, many wondered how long he would keep up against the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Can Brooksby take two more sets from Djokovic?
Undeniably, the 20-year-old won the heart of every tennis fan through his sheer talent and determination. And naturally, he kept his top-class attitude intact in the second set too.
Andy Roddick reacts to Jenson Brooksby vs Novak Djokovic, US Open 2021 R4
As the second set began, Djokovic turned the cards. He quickly broke Brooksby’s serve and soared to a 3-0 lead. However, what followed enlivened tennis fans across the world.
At 3-1, the American and the Serbian engaged in a game for over 20 minutes. Unquestionably, it got reactions from the top names in the tennis society.
longest…game…ever…
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2021
Although Djokovic did his best to make it 4-1, Brooksby got back to serve after some incredible rallies. Consequently, he got a standing ovation from the crowd and some kind words from tennis legend Andy Roddick.
The 2003 US Open champion wrote, “Kid is so tough. Down 3-0 and absolutely put on the hard hat and went to work. So much fun to watch. Sorry Brooklyn Decker, but I think I love another.”
scenes from the greatest tennis stadium in the world: pic.twitter.com/deWPNyOqlk
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2021
Kid is so tough. Down 3-0 and absolutely put on the hard hat and went to work. So much fun to watch ….. Sorry @BrooklynDecker, but I think I love another
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 7, 2021
However, he later worried about what would follow after this. He strongly believed that Djokovic would give Brooksby the taste of his own medicine.
“I promise you one thing. As we get into this, Novak will make this the most painful physical experience this kid has ever seen. Hour and a half in, and aeon serious body blows thrown. We know Novak can handle it,” Roddick added.
*some serious body blows
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 7, 2021
Patrick Mouratoglou, Mardy Fish, Rennae Stubbs, Nicolas Pereira on Djokovic vs Brooksby
Naturally, the whole of Twitter erupted after watching the 20-year-old American win that particular game against Djokovic. Many from the tennis society also joined, including Patrick Mouratoglou, Rennae Stubbs, Mardy Fish, and Nicolas Pereira.
Here’s what they tweeted.
This kid can really play !
— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) September 7, 2021
The long long long point
— Rennae Stubbs OLY (@rennaestubbs) September 7, 2021
👀 #USOpen
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) September 6, 2021
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Mr. Brooksby & AAshe stadium vs Nole…Chasing the GS is not easy! @usopen pic.twitter.com/cFdHKp8Hun
— Nicolás Pereira (@nicolaspereira) September 7, 2021
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After a toe-to-toe fight, Djokovic won the second set 6-3. But the match is far from over. Let’s see what is yet to transpire between the two in New York at the US Open 2021.
Watch this story: Breathtaking Tennis From 18-Year-Old Sensation at Us Open 2021