Jenson Brooksby and Life with Autism. How He is Survived Over the Years

A Prominent Figure In The World Of Tennis

Jenson Brooksby is a prominent name in American tennis , but his life isn’t all about winning on the court. In a recent interview with The Associated Press , Brooksby opened up about his challenging journey, especially during his hiatus. Living with autism , he experienced “difficult times” that left him feeling “susceptible to depression .” In 2022, at age 21, Brooksby reached a career-high ranking of World No. 33. However, injuries, surgeries, and bans have taken him off the rankings altogether.

Rest Time and Challenges

Brooksby has been out of the game for nearly two years, during which he has faced many challenges. “I want people to know about my experience with autism , not just in tennis but in everyday life,” he said. As he prepares for a comeback at the Australian Open , Brooksby feels compelled to share his story—not just with other athletes, but with those who live with autism or support someone who does.

Looking back on his childhood , Brooksby said he did not speak until he was 4 years old and spent about 40 hours a week with therapists to improve his communication and social behavior. Autism , a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain, is not diagnosed through blood tests but through observed behavior. In the past, the condition was only diagnosed for children with severe disabilities , but now it covers a broader spectrum , including milder forms.

The Power of Autism

Brooksby describes autism as a “great strength” in high-pressure moments on the pitch. He has an exceptional ability to focus on two or three specific details for long periods of time, which helps him in tense matches. However, he also admits that this focus sometimes makes it difficult to regulate his emotions , especially after a loss. His fitness coach, Paul Kinney , closely monitors for signs of frustration that Brooksby may display.

Michelle Wagner , a behavioral analyst who worked with Brooksby as a child, explained that while he was once considered a severe case, he now falls on the mild end of the autism spectrum. Wagner has supported him in developing his language and social skills , with his progress being described as “a remarkable and remarkable result.”

Ban from Competition and the Road to Return

In October 2023, the International Sports Intelligence Authority (ITIA) imposed an 18-month ban on Brooksby for missing three doping tests in a 12-month period. However, the ban was reduced on appeal, allowing him to return to competition in March 2024. Wagner provided testimony during the appeal, explaining how autism affected Brooksby’s decision-making abilities.

Recovery and Training

Despite the suspension, Brooksby did not immediately return to the field as he struggled with shoulder pain and spent time rebuilding his coaching staff . He is now working with new coaches, including Eric Nunez and Rhyne Williams , focusing on improving his fitness and playing style. “My goal is to get better,” Brooksby said.

Brooksby has shown great talent, achieving outstanding victories over top players such as Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas . He also received praise from Novak Djokovic , who said Brooksby has the potential to become one of the top players in the future.

Statement on Autism

Brooksby chose this moment to publicly discuss his autism because he wanted people to have a more complete picture of himself. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about it,” he said. His longtime mentor, Amrit Narasimhan , said Brooksby was initially concerned about how people would perceive him. But now he wants to share his story so others can understand him better.

An Inspiring Journey

Jenson Brooksby ’s life is a testament to perseverance and inspiration. He is not only an outstanding athlete but also an inspiration to many, especially those affected by autism . Although autism has presented him with challenges, it has also shaped unique skills that make him stand out.

Brooksby hopes that sharing his story will raise awareness of autism and encourage others to not be afraid to express themselves. “I just want people to know me for who I am,” he asserts. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, proving that with determination , we can overcome any obstacle.