The Miami Open 2025 is set to witness an engaging face-off as American tennis sensation Jenson Brooksby gets ready to cross rackets with Russian player Roman Safiullin. Brooksby, returning to the tour with a protected ranking after a 13-month suspension due to anti-doping violations, is eager to demonstrate his potential once more. He has been candid about his autism diagnosis and how sport has served as a significant outlet for him. The big question is, can he leverage his competitive spirit to secure a few victories in South Beach?
Brooksby, who is still working to regain his top form, recently earned his first tour-level triumph since 2023 at Indian Wells, outshining Benjamin Bonzi and Felix Auger-Aliassime. However, his journey came to a halt when Jack Draper, the eventual champion, outplayed him in the third round.
On the other hand, Safiullin showcased his prowess in Tennis Paradise, securing a decisive victory over Reilly Opelka. However, his journey was abruptly halted by Lorenzo Musetti in the Round of 64. The Russian player then participated in the Phoenix Challenger event, only to suffer a hard-fought loss to Colton Smith in the Round of 16.
Interestingly, Brooksby and Safiullin have never clashed on the professional circuit, making their Miami Open encounter their first ATP meeting. Both players will be eager to notch up a win and tilt the head-to-head record in their favor.
As for predictions, Brooksby is expected to emerge victorious in straight sets. His 2025 season has been a blend of highs and lows. Despite a lack of significant results, Brooksby, at 24, is keen on making a breakthrough. His start to the season was marked by a straight-set defeat against Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open, followed by similar outcomes in Cleveland and Dallas.
Despite these setbacks, the former World No. 33 has fond recollections of Miami, having reached the fourth round of the Masters 1000 event in 2022. With a current season win-loss record of 2-9, Brooksby appears to be improving his game. However, he will need to be cautious of his Russian opponent’s consistent presence on the tour.
Safiullin, meanwhile, has been struggling. With a 1-6 win-loss record in the main draw of tour-level events, and consecutive first-round losses in his first five ATP tournaments this season, he needs a drastic turnaround. His only victory this season was against Opelka at Indian Wells. Currently ranked No. 60, Safiullin risks having to play qualifying rounds in the Masters 1000 events if his ranking dips further.
Given Safiullin’s 1-2 win-loss record in Miami, it seems unlikely he’ll be able to match Brooksby’s pace. If all goes as expected, Brooksby should proceed past the opening round of the Sunshine Double. As the Miami Open 2025 begins, all eyes will be on this promising encounter.
