Top seed Tommy Paul was upset by qualifier Jenson Brooksby in the semifinal of the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston on Saturday.
The 24-year-old saved a match point as he battled to a 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) victory over fellow American Paul, ranked 13th in the world.
Brooksby has made a habit of surviving match points in this tournament — he did so in the first round of qualifying and then fended off three more in the second round of the main draw.
The match was disrupted by several lengthy rain delays and concluded seven and a half hours after it began, with Brooksby sealing victory with a backhand return winner in the decisive tie-break.
“I’ve been able to recall a lot of those (match point) moments this tournament, and I think I’ve grown stronger with each one,” said Brooksby, who is ranked 50th in the world.
“I’m just really pleased with how I’ve maintained my mental composure throughout the week,” he added.
Brooksby will face second seed and fellow American Frances Tiafoe in Sunday’s final.
Tiafoe secured his place in the title match with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) win over fourth seed Brandon Nakashima.