"I believed I could win" - Brooksby reflects on US Open match against Djokovic

Jenson Brooksby completely dominated the first set in his round of 16 match against Novak Djokovic at the 2021 US Open, but inevitably fell to the 20-time Grand Slam champion in four sets on Monday night.

The American has been impressive during his run at Flushing Meadows, and has gained a new sense of self-belief following his stellar performance over the last week.

"Yeah, I mean, I think that comes from definitely more training, but most importantly other match situations against other guys and stuff also, just the whole process of it,” said Brooksby.

“Leading up to it, I 100% believed I could win, like, against anybody. I thought I showed that with the level I could produce out there. Unfortunately, yeah, physically got a little tougher.”

The 20-year old was disappointed he lacked the fitness to compete with the World No.1 in the last two sets, but credited his opponent for increasing and maintaining his level of play for the rest of the match.

“But no, I mean, I can’t really say too much, but I did do it from the start and I could see it working," added Brooksby. "I really did have a lot of confidence in myself out there that I can beat him, I can beat anybody.

“Yeah, I think definitely the movement affected that throughout the rest of the match, but not as an excuse. Credit to him for also stepping it up a little.”