Jenson Brooksby and Tommy Paul survive clay-court battles to reach Houston quarterfinals

Jenson Brooksby and Tommy Paul survived tough battles in the U.S. Men's Clay Court Champioship round of 16. Both Americans faced clay-court specialists—Brooksby saved multiple match points in the morning to overcome third seed Alejandro Tabilo, while first seed Paul endured a rollercoaster match against former champion Cristian Garin.

Despite playing on home soil in Houston, transitioning from hard courts after the Sunshine Double is never easy, especially against two South American clay-court specialists far more accustomed to slower conditions. However, Paul and Brooksby led the American charge with hard-fought victories.

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Brooksby’s Comeback Thriller

Jenson Brooksby returned to action after an early first-round exit at the Miami Open. The American had regained some confidence in Indian Wells—securing his first win over a top-20 player in over two years by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 17). However, his Miami Open loss to Roman Safiullin was a reality check, highlighting his need for consistency after returning from suspension.

It was a brutal opening match for the world No. 507 against world No. 32 Alejandro Tabilo. Although the Chilean hadn't been in top form this season, playing on clay always gives him a confidence boost—his biggest career success came on the surface, including a semifinal run at the 2024 Italian Open, where he stunned Novak Djokovic.

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Tabilo dominated the first set, securing an early break in the sixth game and holding serve comfortably to take the set 6-3, converting multiple set points. Both players struggled with their first serves (below 50%), but Tabilo had the upper hand in baseline rallies.

The Chilean continued his momentum in the second set, building a 4-2 lead, but that was when Brooksby found his best level. The American staged a comeback with back-to-back breaks, showing great determination in crucial moments, while Tabilo succumbed to pressure. Brooksby took the set 6-4.

The third set started perfectly for Tabilo, who secured an early break and held firm on serve. The Chilean led 5-3 and had the chance to serve for the match, but Brooksby broke back at the last moment. Tabilo faced a match point at 5-6 but managed to force a tiebreak. In the breaker, the Chilean led 6-3 with three match points, but he faltered at the finish line. Brooksby took full advantage, winning five consecutive points—three on return—to complete an improbable comeback victory, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(6).

With this win, Brooksby jumps over 150 ranking spots, moving up to No. 355 in the live rankings.

Tommy Paul’s gritty victory

After Brooksby’s incredible escape against Tabilo, another American faced another Chilean. This time, top seed Tommy Paul was the clear favorite against 2019 Houston Open champion Cristian Garin (No. 133).

The former world No. 17 thrives in Houston, and against Paul, he proved once again why he’s a dangerous clay-court opponent. The match started with an exhausting 16-minute service game for Garin, setting the tone for a grueling battle. The 28-year-old Chilean capitalized on Paul’s struggles with his first serve and took control of the match under light rain, winning the opening set 6-2.

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Paul gradually found his rhythm, improving in rallies. The American secured an early break in the second set and never looked back, dominating on serve. He extended his lead with another break in the fifth game, showing composure in the key moments—saving the only break point he faced while converting both of his chances. Paul leveled the match with a 6-2 set of his own.

The third set turned into a real battle, with both players holding serve until 4-4. Paul seized his first break opportunity, going up 5-4 with the chance to serve out the match. However, Garin responded immediately, breaking back when it seemed like Paul was about to clinch victory.

A tiebreak was needed to decide the match, and this time, Paul held his nerve. He converted his second match point to edge out Garin in a hard-fought 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(5) win, booking his place in the quarterfinals.

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