Jenson Brooksby, the 24-year-old American tennis player from California, recently opened up about his experiences and aspirations as he prepares to return to competitive play after a lengthy hiatus. Once celebrated as part of a rising wave of American tennis talent, Brooksby found himself facing significant challenges that kept him off the tour for nearly two years. Injuries, surgeries, and a suspension due to missed drug tests have drastically changed his ranking; he fell from being No. 33 in the world back in 2022 to now being unranked.
As he gears up to re-enter the competitive scene in January, including participating in the upcoming Australian Open, Brooksby wants to share his journey, particularly regarding his life with autism spectrum disorder. In a candid conversation, he expressed his desire to promote awareness around his condition, noting that it had impacted him deeply both personally and professionally. Brooksby shared that he was nonverbal until the age of four and had extensive therapy sessions as a child to help him communicate effectively and navigate social situations.
Autism, which is characterized by a range of developmental disabilities affecting behavior and communication, does not have specific biological markers. Brooksby termed his autism a “significant strength” while competing. He indicated that it allows him to maintain intense focus during matches. However, he also admitted to facing difficulties, such as emotional outbursts when frustrated with his performance, which his training team is mindful of.
Brooksby’s early challenges were noted by Michelle Wagner, a board-certified behavior analyst who worked with him from a young age. She highlighted the extensive support he received to address severe behavioral issues and how his progress became an inspirational example. According to Wagner, the way autism influences Brooksby’s decision-making processes as an adult played a vital role in his recent appeal against a lengthy suspension imposed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Initially, the ITIA had set an 18-month suspension for Brooksby due to missed drug tests. However, following his appeal and the introduction of new information regarding the circumstances of the missed tests, this penalty was shortened significantly. He is now eligible to return to play in March rather than January 2025, a decision that took into account how autism affects his day-to-day decision-making.
Reflecting on the time away from the sport, Brooksby explained that he had to navigate multiple setbacks—surgery on both wrists followed by his suspension—with a mental toll. Despite these challenges, he is now training rigorously with a new coaching team and focusing on enhancing both his physical and technical abilities to return to competition.
Throughout his career, Brooksby has demonstrated significant potential and talent, with notable victories against established players such as Casper Ruud and Novak Djokovic, who praised Brooksby’s unique abilities on the court. His potential remains high, and according to his coach, there is great belief in his capacity to achieve a top-10 ranking in the future, indicating that his competitive spirit and intensity are powerful assets.
Lastly, Brooksby expressed his motivation to discuss his autism publicly, wanting people to understand who he is fully as a person. With his advisor highlighting that Brooksby is interested in fostering understanding among peers, the tennis player is keen on using his story to connect with others who might face similar challenges or who may be unaware of the nuances of living with autism.