Jackson Withrow wins Lincoln Challenger for full-circle moment in US Open prep

Omaha native and Burke High School alum Jackson Withrow not only came back to his home state to play doubles at the Lincoln Challenger, he was able to win the ATP tournament. It proved to be a full-circle moment for the Nebraskan.

“Any time I come back home is amazing, but to come back and compete was something I didn’t see happening again,” Withrow said. “Having family and friends come out to watch was such a cool feeling, and to have the support of the tennis community was something I’ll always miss on tour.”

Withrow graduated from Burke in 2011 and was a three-time state champion. He played collegiate tennis at Texas A&M, where he finished as national runner-up in the 2016 NCAA doubles championships with his partner, Arthur Rinderknech. That year Withrow officially turned pro and even played with fellow Nebraskan Jack Sock.

Withrow teamed up with his regular men’s doubles partner, Nathaniel Lammons, at the 2026 Lincoln Challenger USTA Pro Circuit tournament on July 12-19 at the Sid and Hazel Dillon Tennis Center. Withrow and Lammons beat George Goldhoff and Cleeve Harper, 6-3, 6-3, in the championship.

Withrow previously was a volunteer coach for the Cornhuskers, so he was familiar with the coaches and facility for the Lincoln Challenger.

“Nebraska has a world-class facility and all the resources to continue to grow the event,” he said. “The community is becoming more connected, and players see it as a great place to begin their hardcourt season.

“Continued support and investment into tennis in Nebraska is key. With guys like coach Peter Kobelt behind it, I believe it will just continue to be more and more successful.”

Withrow will be playing in the 2026 US Open in New York City. He said preparing for it is always a bit hectic since the tennis season is so long. But he wants to maximize the weeks on hard courts and play as much as he and his partner can.

“Building up match-play confidence while also keeping an eye on our mental and physical batteries plays a huge factor into our preparations,” he said. “We will try to be in New York four to five days before (the tournament) to get acclimated to courts and the chaos of the city, and from there get ready to go.”

Withrow and Lammons reached the semifinals of the 2024 US Open, the farthest they have advanced in that tournament.