CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael tennis prodigy Jenson Brooksby last week was knocked out of the US Open’s junior men’s tournament after reaching the semi-final round. On the hallowed courts of Flushing Meadows NY, Brooksby won four matches, including one against European Junior Champion Jonas Forejtek of Czechoslovakia. Brazilian Marechal Candido Rondon eventually took the junior tournament title.

Brooksby was earlier matched as a “wide card” against tennis professional John Millman. His defeat was no disgrace as the Australian later scored an upset win against Roger Federer, one of the US Open favorites.

Brooksby remains the top American junior and is among the top four under 18-year-olds worldwide. “My game is up there but I need to work on my fitness and on getting stronger,” he concedes. “I wish I could have advanced further in the tournament, but I was happy with how I played.  Being there was what I’ve trained hard for – for a very long time. The crowds were intense. I saw the world’s top players -- Nadal, Djokovic, Serena Williams. They were in line with me in the cafeteria. The food was great. It was a very cool atmosphere.”

Less cool was the Flushing Meadows climate – 100 degrees and humid – that sapped athletes and fans. “I’ve played in humidity before,” says the newcomer. “You just bring extra shirts and take more time between points.” Battle-hardened Jenson has come far from pre-school tuition and Arcade’s Rio del Oro Racquet Club. He returns from New York to resume a daily discipline of four hours tennis (at Arden Hills Resort) and one hour in the gym every day.

Coach Gilbert accompanied Jenson to New York. Anesthesiologist dad Glen Brooksby and equestrian mom Tania also joined the pilgrimage. “Our goal in going to the US Open was for me to win,” says Jenson. But whether I won or lost, my level of playing increased. And I loved the place. I hope to get back there next year.”