Jenson Brooksby is rewriting his story in tennis. After facing a ban of 18 months by an independent tribunal for missing three anti-doping tests in 12 months back in 2023, the California native was excited to come back to the sport at the Australian Open in January. However, this time he wanted to show up with a newfound openness, revealing his autism spectrum disorder diagnosis at a young age, around two years old. “It’s … just something I don’t want to have to keep to myself,” he said during a post-workout lunch at the USTA National Campus in Florida. But has it ever stood in his way? Turns out it could be his superpower!
In December, Brooksby, who reached a career-high No. 33 in the PIF ATP Rankings in 2022, shared his experience with autism. “It’s time for me to share something that I have kept quiet for my entire life,” he wrote on Instagram. “I was diagnosed on the severe end of the spectrum as a very young child. I was nonverbal until the age of four. It took 40 hours a week of intensive ABA therapy.” By sharing his story, he aimed to promote understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder.
For the unversed, Autism is a neuropsychiatric disorder affecting how the brain processes information, impacting learning, communication, social functioning, and sensory perception—crucial aspects for a pro tennis player. However, Brooksby’s therapist, Michelle Wagner is here to clarify that it will not stand in his way. Speaking to L’ Equipe she said, “Is that realistic? You know, autism can be a strength too. For most of us, thoughts can come and go in an instant, or they can disappear, but for someone like him, on the court, there’s only one thing that exists, the rest is completely locked. His focus is absolute.”
Wagner has been instrumental in his journey. She began working with him when he was 2 years, 9 months old, after his diagnosis. Previously, she noted that his progress is an “unusual and unique outcome,” given that he “presented as a very severe case” as a child. Despite the challenges, he broke into the top 30 in 2022 and before his suspension, Brooksby made it to three finals in Atlanta and Dallas in 2022 and in Newport in 2021.
Before his suspension, he upset Casper Ruud en route to the third round at the 2023 Australian Open. However, a series of unfortunate events, including a wrist injury and subsequent arthroscopic surgeries on both wrists in 2023, significantly derailed his progress. But Wagner is confident in Brooksby’s abilities: “And anyway, I think Jenson has already shown over the last twenty years that with him anything is possible.”
He’s currently competing at the Indian Wells Open and is looking to turn his season around. Will he prove himself on the court going ahead? Only time will tell. In the meantime, his candidness about autism has moved tennis legends like Boris Becker, who praised Brooksby’s honesty and determination.
Former pro praises Jenson for his honesty ahead of comeback season
Jenson Brooksby’s courageous decision to open up about his autism has sent waves of inspiration across the tennis world. The young American tennis star also shared how it serves as a “great strength” in high-pressure moments on the court. Noting that his autism allows him to focus intensely on specific details for extended periods, which is a significant advantage during matches. This newfound openness has not only raised awareness about autism but also highlighted the unique strengths that neurodiverse individuals can bring to competitive sports.
His motivational revelation resonated deeply with tennis legend Boris Becker. The former World No.1 couldn’t help but express his admiration for Brooksby’s honesty and determination. Becker took to his X account to send a heartfelt message: “Love your honesty and good luck in Australia! We all carry extra baggage nobody knows about … You will inspire millions of young athletes around the world that giving up is NOT an option! Well done Jenson.”
Now after a challenging start to his comeback season, Brooksby is showing signs of resurgence. Following early exits at the Australian Open, Cleveland Open, and Dallas Open, he made a notable improvement at the San Diego Open by reaching the round of 16. Additionally, His recent victory at the Indian Wells Open on Thursday marked a triumphant return to form, as he defeated Benjamin Bonzi in a thrilling match. Taking down the Frenchman with a score of 1-6, 7-5, 7-5 in two and a half hours.
With this momentum, Brooksby is now set to face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the next round on Sunday, March 9. Will he pull off another surprise win and make a deeper run in the tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Battling Autism, 24YO American ATP Pro’s Therapist Unveils How It Became His Greatest Strength appeared first on EssentiallySports.
