Ethan Quinn Shines, Jenson Brooksby Advances in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas — In an exhilarating start to his clay-court season, 21-year-old Ethan Quinn achieved a career milestone by defeating World No. 35 in a three-set match during the ATP tournament on Tuesday. Quinn’s victory, which ended with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, marked the highest-ranked win of his career at the event.

“That was a unique experience, my first one on clay. Not too comfortable out there. There are a few slips and a few almost falls,” Quinn said. Currently ranked No. 130 in the PIF ATP Rankings, he shared that facing his tough opponent Jordan was a personal hurdle, as the latter had defeated him in an earlier challenger match. “To get revenge felt really good, but also to get one on clay and start the clay-court season was exciting for me,” he added.

Despite facing 13 breakpoints, Quinn saved nine, showcasing his resilience. He is set to meet American qualifier Alex Smith next. Smith, ranked No. 200, previously defeated Quinn earlier this season at a Cleveland Challenger event.

In other matches, Asian tennis star Kei Nishikori secured his eighth tour-level win of the season with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 victory over American player Michael Mmoh. Nishikori, on track for his 450th career win, acknowledged his strong serving as the key to his performance. “I served really well today, and I think that was the key to winning,” Nishikori stated. He will face a formidable opponent, the detailed matchup yet to be announced.

Additionally, in a thrilling match on Wednesday, American Jenson Brooksby emerged victorious against third seed Alejandro Tabilo in a dramatic three-set clash that lasted nearly three hours. Brooksby, who was down 3-6 in the tiebreaker, rallied to win 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(6), thus becoming the lowest-ranked quarter-finalist in the tournament’s history.

“I’m still a little shocked by that match. It was a lot of back and forth, but I knew it was going to be a battle out there,” Brooksby remarked after his victory. “You can never quit until it’s the last point.” His remarkable comeback included saving a match point during the match and contesting a fiercely competitive tiebreak.

Brooksby’s victory is significant as he previously overcame another match point in his first-round qualifying match against an unnamed competitor. He will next face either a fellow American or French player, with anticipation building around the next phase of the tournament.