Jenson Brooksby’s tennis style: what makes his game unique
Tennis analyst and blogger Gill Gross recently discussed American player Jenson Brooksby’s game. He noted that the tennis player’s style is hard to compare to anyone else — perhaps only to Andy Murray in terms of baseline play.
“You could say he’s a poor man’s Murray,” Gross joked.
Gross highlighted Brooksby’s strong tactical awareness and ability to place his shots with precision, including his slice serve, which forces opponents into uncomfortable positions. However, his biggest weakness has always been his serve, which remains a major vulnerability and hasn’t shown much improvement.
“It’s the easiest shot to work on, and it’s surprising that he hasn’t been able to make real progress with it over such a long period,” Gross noted.
According to him, this combination of an unusual playing style and serving struggles makes Brooksby stand out on tour. His game can trouble many opponents, but without a reliable serve, competing at the highest level will be difficult.
What is special about Brooksby’s playing style?
Jenson Brooksby’s game is anything but typical, and that’s exactly what makes him so fascinating to watch. Tennis experts and fans often struggle to define his style — his strokes look awkward, his movement seems unusual, and yet he keeps winning.
Some compare him to Miloslav Mecir, noting how his flat, almost mishit-looking shots somehow land deep and close to the lines time and time again. Others see shades of Fabrice Santoro or Gilles Simon in the way he disrupts his opponents’ rhythm and takes the ball early, making them uncomfortable.
What really sets Brooksby apart, though, isn’t just his technique — it’s his mindset. He fights for every point, turning defense into offense in ways that often leave more powerful opponents frustrated.
His ability to read the game and anticipate shots allows him to cover the court incredibly well, even if his movement doesn’t look as fluid as some of his peers. Some experts have even drawn comparisons to Andy Murray, particularly in his ability to construct points and neutralize big hitters, though his serve remains a clear weakness.
Not everyone is a fan of his playing style — some call it ‘ugly’ or ‘weird’ — but results speak louder than aesthetics. Brooksby has shown that tennis isn’t about looking good; it’s about finding ways to win. His two-handed volleys, unpredictable slices, and relentless retrieving make him one of the most unique players on tour. Love it or hate it, his approach is proving that there’s more than one way to succeed in modern tennis.
Cover photo: instagram.com/dunloptennisofficial
