The Pick: Jenson Brooksby vs. Félix Auger-Aliassime, Citi Open third round

Jenson Brooksby has arguably been the best player to bet on in 2021. Though his 36-6 win-loss record is primarily made up of ATP Challenger matches, the 20-year-old has proven that he is one of the game's best competitors. He might not wow audiences with a huge serve or clean winner count to show for it, but the kid knows how to win points, especially the important ones. The Citi Open may regret giving him a wild card, as he beat hometown hero Frances Tiafoe in straight sets on Tuesday night, but he is one of the most enjoyable players to watch in all of tennis right now.

I’ve bet Brooksby on many occasions the past few months, and whether he wins or loses against Félix Auger-Aliassime on Thursday, you should know that the American will give maximum effort and intensity every single point. He almost never attempt an ill-advised shot, and his propensity to pull proverbial rabbits out of his hat on the dead run is nothing short of incredible.

The Canadian will be a massive step up in terms of challenge, particularly when it comes to pace and athleticism, and could possibly overpower Brooksby. But that’s been said about too many Brooksby opponents to not still consider a few shekels on the American. If you give him a steady diet of unforced errors—which the Canadian has been known to do—he can eat you alive.

There were plenty of highlights in his win over Tiafoe, but none more encapsulating of his skill than this break-point save at 4-4 in the first set.

One could make a dozen arguments for an FAA straight-set victory, but given both players' performances in 2021—and Brooksby’s honey-badger type attitude—I will be closing my eyes and placing a small wager on the American at +130.

By no means am I confident that Brooksby will pull the upset, but the feeling this tenacious young man gives you when putting money on his side is one worth experiencing. Just keep things on the small-side, please.

The Pick: Jenson Brooksby +130