For just the second time in the Open Era, the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship will feature an all-US-American semifinal lineup, a feat not seen since 1988 when legends like Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Jimmy Arias, and Lawson Duncan dominated the court. This year, a new generation of US-American talent has risen to recreate history and assert their presence on the ATP Tour.

It’s also the first ATP event to feature four US-American semifinalists since Newport in the summer of 2023, and Friday marked an even rarer milestone – all eight quarterfinalists were from the United States, a scenario last seen in Orlando back in 1991.

Leading the charge is Frances Tiafoe, the 2023 River Oaks champion, who has now reached three consecutive semifinals in Houston—a feat unmatched since Jack Sock’s run from 2015 to 2017. Tiafoe has won nine of his last ten matches at River Oaks and remains a clear favorite heading into the weekend.

Top seed Tommy Paul continues his quest to become the third straight No. 1 seed to capture the US Clay title, following in the footsteps of Tiafoe (2023) and Ben Shelton (2022). Known for his consistency and aggressive style, Paul is eager to convert his top billing into a trophy.

Next stop Houston semi-finals! @TommyPaul1 gets past Smith 6-1 7-6(1).@mensclaycourt | #USClay pic.twitter.com/PC09NDY19W

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 4, 2025

Meanwhile, Jenson Brooksby is crafting one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines. The qualifier has saved four match points across two matches and is bidding to become the first qualifier to reach the US Clay final since Mariano Zabaleta in 2007.

Brandon Nakashima, the No. 4 seed, has quietly made his way to the semifinals for the second time this season. By doing so, he’s projected to climb to a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 31.

Sunday’s championship match will mark the 11th all-US-American final in Houston in the Open Era, and the third in just four years—a testament to the resurgence of US-American men’s tennis. The eventual champion will not only take home the trophy but also become the first from the United States to capture an ATP title in 2025, and the sixth US winner in the last seven years in Houston.

In doubles, Santiago Gonzalez returns to familiar ground, having reached his third US Clay final. The Mexican veteran, champion in 2019 and finalist in 2016, now pairs with Federico Agustin Gomez as they face the duo of Fernando Romboli and John-Patrick Smith—the latter competing just weeks after welcoming his first child.

RESULTS – Friday, April 4
Singles – Quarterfinal Round
[1] Tommy Paul (USA) d [Q] Colton Smith (USA) 6-1 7-6(1)
[2] Frances Tiafoe (USA) d [5] Alex Michelsen (USA) 7-5 6-1
[4] Brandon Nakashima (USA) d Christopher Eubanks (USA) 6-4 6-4
[Q] Jenson Brooksby (USA) d Aleksandar Kovacevic (USA) 2-6 6-3 6-4

Doubles – Semifinal Round
Federico Agustin Gomez (Argentina) / Santiago Gonzalez (Mexico) d [1] Robert Galloway (USA) / Jackson Withrow (USA) 6-4 6-2
Fernando Romboli (Brazil) / John-Patrick Smith (Australia) d Matthew Christopher Romios (Australia) / Adam Walton (Australia) 7-6(3) 6-3