“Jenson Brooksby’s Journey: How Autism Shaped His Tennis Career”
Six days before Christmas, American tennis star Jenson Brooksby made a heartfelt revelation that he had kept private for most of his life. The 24-year-old disclosed on social media that he had been diagnosed with severe autism as a child and remained non-verbal until the age of four.
His decision to share this deeply personal part of his life was not an easy one. However, Brooksby was motivated by a strong desire to help families navigating similar challenges and to provide guidance for aspiring athletes with autism.
“Growing up, my parents and I weren’t comfortable sharing it because there could be consequences, especially when I was younger,” Brooksby told BBC Sport. “But as I got older, I realized that people around me were very accepting, and I wanted to use my experience to help others.”
Brooksby recalls undergoing intensive therapy from the age of two, sometimes for up to 40 hours a week. His parents played a crucial role in supporting him through this journey, dedicating their time and resources to help him develop communication skills.
However, it was sports that provided him with an outlet. From an early age, he found solace in physical activity, whether it was tennis, basketball, swimming, or athletics.
“Sport was a big release for me. I had a lot of energy bottled up, and being active helped me channel it productively,” he said. “Even as a kid, I wanted to train, compete, and excel at something.”
A Rising Star in Tennis
Brooksby’s unorthodox playing style and tactical intelligence quickly set him apart on the professional tennis circuit. His breakthrough came in 2021 when he stunned Taylor Fritz and even managed to trouble Novak Djokovic in a gripping US Open match. His success propelled him to a career-high ranking of 33 in the world.
However, the path to greatness has not been without obstacles. A series of injuries, including surgeries on both wrists, forced him out of competition. Additionally, Brooksby faced an 18-month suspension for missing three out-of-competition drug tests in a 12-month span—a ban later reduced to 13 months.
The missed tests were partly attributed to logistical errors, including a mix-up in hotel booking details during a doping control visit. His legal team later presented evidence that his autism diagnosis played a role in these administrative challenges. While the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) did not explicitly cite autism as the reason for reducing his suspension, Brooksby’s team believes it was a key factor.
Now back on the court, Brooksby is determined to revive his career and inspire others with his story. His journey is a testament to resilience, proving that with the right support and determination, challenges can be turned into strengths.
“Jenson Brooksby’s Autism Journey: Understanding His Challenges and Triumphs”
Jenson Brooksby’s journey in professional tennis has been anything but conventional. The 24-year-old American recently opened up about his lifelong battle with autism, revealing how it has shaped his decision-making and career.
Michelle Wagner, who oversaw Brooksby’s treatment until he was six, described his case as severe in childhood but noted his remarkable progress, stating that he now falls on the mild end of the spectrum—an outcome she called “unusual and unique.”
Despite his success on the court, Brooksby acknowledges that his condition played a role in some of the challenges he faced, including his suspension for missing three anti-doping tests.
“I definitely think my autism contributed to it. I’ve always had my agent track where I’ll be every day because it’s hard for my brain to juggle multiple things at once,” he explained. “I can focus well on simple tasks, but when too much is happening, it can be overwhelming.”
Reflecting on the past, Brooksby has come to terms with the situation, choosing to use it as a learning experience rather than a setback.
“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect, and now, I’m at peace with it. Everyone has things they wish they could have done differently, but I don’t dwell on it anymore. If it ever crosses my mind, I take it as a reminder to improve.”
His adviser, Amrit Narasimhan, also shared how understanding Brooksby’s autism has helped improve their communication.
“Before I knew about his diagnosis, I sometimes found his responses confusing. Now, I realize that if he asks me the same question multiple times, it’s not because he wasn’t listening, but because he’s seeking a clearer answer,” Narasimhan said.
“Jenson is incredibly intelligent. I just had to adjust my communication, using more precise language and being more patient.”
Moving Forward with Strength and Determination
Brooksby’s resilience has been evident both on and off the court. His unorthodox playing style and tactical brilliance have made him a formidable competitor. Now, as he works to reclaim his position in professional tennis, he hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others facing similar challenges.
“I always remind myself: I am healthy and strong,” he said—a mantra that continues to drive him forward.
“Jenson Brooksby: How Autism Shapes His Tennis and Mental Strength”
For Jenson Brooksby, autism is not a limitation—it’s a unique trait that has shaped his journey in professional tennis. While his condition no longer has a major impact on his daily life, he acknowledges how it has influenced his emotional control and focus on the court.
Reflecting on his early years, Brooksby recalls how even minor inconveniences could trigger strong emotional reactions. However, through years of effort and self-discipline, he learned to manage his emotions using specific techniques, such as controlled breathing and self-affirmations.
“If I ever have doubts about my body on the court or feel pain, I always tell myself, ‘I am healthy and strong,’” he shared.
One of Brooksby’s greatest strengths is his ability to maintain laser-sharp focus during high-pressure moments. Unlike many players who can be distracted by external factors like the crowd, wind, or movement in the stands, Brooksby remains locked into the game.
“I’m much better now than I was four or five years ago,” he said, emphasizing how his mental resilience has improved over time.
A Comeback Two Years in the Making
After a two-year hiatus due to injuries and suspension, Brooksby made his long-awaited return to the tour at the 2024 Australian Open. His first tour-level victories came at Indian Wells, and despite a third-round exit to Jack Draper, he was touched by Draper’s post-match message: “Good to have a great player back.”
While the overall response from fellow professionals has been quiet, Brooksby doesn’t mind.
“I haven’t really heard much, just simple messages like, ‘Glad you’re healthy and back out here.’ But that’s fine—most players don’t dive into personal subjects and just focus on themselves anyway,” he added.
With a newfound perspective and a stronger mental approach, Brooksby is ready to carve his path back into the upper ranks of professional tennis. His journey is not just about winning matches but proving that challenges—whether physical or neurological—can be transformed into strengths.