Professional tennis player Jenson Brooksby, once a rising American star, has opened up about his life with autism spectrum disorder. This revelation comes as the 24-year-old athlete prepares to make his return to the tennis circuit following a challenging period away from the game.
Brooksby, who was nonverbal until the age of four, shared his experience living with autism during a candid interview. As he gears up for competitions, including the Australian Open, he aims to bring awareness to his condition – one that he has managed quietly until now. He believes his autism gives him a distinct edge during intense match situations, allowing him to concentrate intensely on specific aspects of his game, although it can also lead to emotional outbursts when things don’t go as planned.
Diagnosed at a young age, Brooksby spent a significant amount of his childhood in therapy to improve his speech and social interactions. This rigorous background has shaped his approach on the court and is integral to his identity.
Michelle Wagner, a board-certified behavior analyst, described Brooksby’s journey from displaying severe symptoms as a child to now being on the mild end of the autism spectrum as rare and noteworthy. Her insights into his developmental process were even pivotal when Brooksby faced an 18-month suspension from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). Though not for a banned substance, his suspension stemmed from missing drug tests due to, what he argued, were miscommunications beyond his control.
Wagner’s testimony highlighted how Brooksby’s unique experiences with autism impact his adult decision-making processes, which influenced the reduction of his suspension after an appeal.
Despite these challenges, Brooksby’s tennis career has been marked by significant achievements. In 2023, shortly before surgeries on both wrists interrupted his career, he defeated notable players like Casper Ruud and earned high praise from tennis legends, including Novak Djokovic.
Brooksby acknowledges the difficulties he has faced both off and on the court, emphasizing the mental toll the last two years have taken on him. However, he remains focused on returning stronger, working with a newly assembled coaching team to enhance his physical and technical game.
His choice to speak publicly about his autism was carefully considered, motivated by a desire for authenticity and understanding within the tennis community and beyond. According to his advisor, Amrit Narasimhan, Brooksby wants to share his full story, which includes his challenges and triumphs, to foster greater awareness and empathy.
Jenson Brooksby’s journey is a testament to resilience and self-awareness. By sharing his experiences with autism, he not only sheds light on personal challenges but also inspires others facing similar situations. As he charts his course back to professional tennis, Brooksby remains committed to both his personal and athletic growth.
Source: Local10
