Stefanos Tsitsipas has become the latest high-profile casualty in the men’s draw at the BNP Paribas Open after falling in three sets to rising star Jenson Brooksby.
The world No.5 raced through the opening set in less than 30 minutes before losing 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, to the American in the third round. Tsitsipas was broken four times in the match as he produced a costly 33 unforced errors against just 19 winners. Indian Wells is the first tournament this season where he has failed to reach the quarter-final stages.
Visibly disappointed with his latest performance in the Californian desert, the Greek was in no mood to praise his opponent when speaking to reporters following the match. Instead, when asked about Brooksby’s game, Tsitsipas said he had nothing special and doesn’t have any attributes which makes him tricky to play against. Even though the former French Open finalist had just lost to him.
“The amount of net cords he hit,” Tsitsipas replied when asked if anything about his opponent’s game surprised him.
“I don’t think there’s something that makes him tricky to play. Putting balls back. That’s what makes him difficult…. He’s not a very explosive player, but he’s able to get balls back. He’s not the most athletic player, as well. He’s just able to read the game well, play with his pace, play with the opponent’s pace. He’s able to read the game well and stay consistent. There’s nothing that he has that kills, I would say.”
Brooksby, who was named ATP newcomer of the year in 2021, is currently at a ranking high of 43rd in the world. So far in his career he has reached the final of two ATP 250 events, including the Dallas Open last month. Last year at the US Open he reached the fourth round to become the youngest American man to do so since Andy Roddick in 2002.
When informed of Tsitsipas’ comments, Brooksby took it all in his stride by explaining that the view of his opponent is what some others also have. For the American, the key for him in winning matches is all about tactical play.
“I think a lot of players/coaches maybe don’t see how I could be as good of a level as I am,” he said. “That’s what we shoot for in our games and strategy, to not be too easily figured out. That’s how the top players over history have been. I’m not too surprised to hear that. It’s what we shoot for.”
Despite his success on the Tour, the 21-year-old believes he is underestimated. Tsitsipas is the first top 10 player he has ever beaten but he did take a set off Alexander Zverev during their recent meeting in Acapulco.
“I think I’m definitely underestimated…definitely among fans. They just look for the flashy things like the technique, the athleticism, things like that. I don’t think anything really stands out (in my game),” Brooksby explains.
“I think that makes me underestimated to a lot of people. I really think that comes from the training I do, the strategies we have, the work I put in. I think I’m showing I can do it my way, in a different way. I’m establishing myself now at this level with the process we’re on.
“It’s different for everybody with their game and mentality and training and everything. Mine is a different way. I think there’s no doubt it’s showing now consistently.”
Tsitsipas is the fifth top 10 player to crash out of Indian Wells this year, which leaves Rafael Nadal as the highest ranking person remaining in the draw.
As for Brooksby, he will take on defending champion Cameron Norrie in the fourth round.
