Houston, Autism, Nadal, Suspension: Everything you always wanted to know about Jenson Brooksby (but never had time to find out) – updated after 2025 Houston title
American Jenson Brooksby is on his way back after two years on the sidelines. Here are answers to some questions you may have about the 2025 Houston champion
Jenson Brooksby by Panoramic
Who is Jenson Brooksby?
Jenson Brooksby is an American tennis player who competes on the pro tour.
What did Jenson Brooksby accomplish at the 2025 Houston Open?
Coming into the event ranked No 507 in the world, Brooksby became the third-lowest ranked player in ATP history to win an ATP singles title. He beat second seed Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6-2 to claim his first career title.
Is Jenson Brooksby autistic?
Yes. In December 2024, Brooksby revealed that he had been diagnosed on the severe end of the autism spectrum and was non-verbal till the age of four.
“It’s … just something I don’t want to have to keep to myself,” Brooksby said in an interview to The Associated Press. “It’s obviously a personal topic that, even with people you may feel very comfortable with — in my mind, at least for a long time — it wasn’t (something) to just go blurting out as part of a conversation, you know?. But I’ve always thought about it and … I, eventually, just wanted to talk about it. I just want people to know me for who I am fully, and that’s just another part of me. I’ve had a lot of time out of playing and a lot of thinking I’ve had to do.”
Why was Jenson Brooksby suspended?
In July 2023, Jenson Brooksby had been accused of missing three doping tests in a 12-month period. As per the rules, players can be suspended if they have three “whereabout failures” within a 12-month period. Players have to notify the tennis officials about where they would be for a one-hour period on every day through the year as part of the whereabouts rule.
However, Brooksby insists that that on one of the occasions, he was at the designated place where he was supposed to be for the doping test.
Brooksby was suspended for 18 months in October 2023, which was later reduced by 10 months. His suspension was lifted in March 2024 and he returned to competition at the 2025 Australian Open.
When was Jenson Brooksby born?
Jenson Brooksby was born on October 26, 2000. He is currently 24 years old as of April 2025.
What nationality is Brooksby?
Brooksby is from the United States. He was born in Sacramento, California and now resides in Carmichael, California.
How tall is he?
According to the official ATP Tour website, Brooksby is 6 ft., 4 in. tall (193 cm).
When did Jenson Brooksby start playing tennis?
Brooksby started playing tennis at the age of four. His junior career was highlighted by the 2018 Easter Bowl title, which earned him a wild card into the US Open. Brooksby signed with Baylor University but missed his freshman season due to injury and then turned pro.
Who is his coach?
Brooksby is currently being coached by Rhyne Williams and Eric Nunez, as per the ATP website.
Since he was seven years old, Brooksby has been coached by Joseph Gilbert, the founder and owner of JMG Tennis Academy in Sacramento, California. Gilbert has twice been named Team USA Developmental Coach of the Year by the USTA. He has also worked with Collin Altamirano and WTA player Katie Voylnets.
“He knows me as a person and has guided me from when I was seven years old,” Brooksby said in an interview with the ATP Tour. “My parents actually used to have lessons with him long before me. He used to only coach adults, but my mom and dad asked him if he would try teaching me. He said ‘yes,’ and here we are 13 years later. I think it’s a cool story that I’ve been with him for so long.”
The pair split in early 2023.
What is his highest ATP ranking?
Brooksby peaked at No 33 in the ATP rankings in June 2022. You can find his current ranking and rankings history on his ATP Tour profile page.
Who is Brooksby’s tennis idol?
Brooksby continues to look up to Rafael Nadal.
“His mentality and consistency is just so amazing for me to see,” the youngster said of Nadal. “And how he’s done that for so long. I love the intensity and discipline he brings every time.”
Brooksby added, however, that if he could steal one shot from any player it would be Novak Djokovic’s return of serve.
What is his best result in a Grand Slam?
Brooksby’s best performance at a Major came at the 2021 US Open where he reached the fourth round.
Aged 20, he became the youngest American to reach the US Open fourth round since a then 20-year-old Andy Roddick did the same in 2022. Brooksby finally went down to world No 1 Novak Djokovic in four sets.
He has also reached the third round of the Australian Open (2023) and Wimbledon (2022).
Is Jenson Brooksby active on social media?
Brooksby has more than 38,900 followers on Instagram and more than 11,400 followers on Facebook.
