“It gives me tremendous joy, and relief, that I can get back to doing what I love” Jenson Brooksby wrote on social media earlier this year. The former world no.33 has been away from action due to a suspension he was handed for missing anti-doping tests and injuries. Now, he’s just a month away from stepping on the court, at the Australian Open. The 24-year-old American recently opened up on his life struggles, involving the condition of autism and how he dealt with it. His courage to fight has now earned him praise from tennis icon Boris Becker!

In an interaction with Associated Press, dated December 19, Jenson threw light on the challenges he faced due to autism. At a very early age, he was diagnosed with the severe end of the spectrum. “I was nonverbal until the age of four. It took 40 hours a week of intensive ABA therapy,” he revealed. He talked about how his mother played a key role in giving him a new life. “My mother never gave up and did everything to help me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I am lucky to have parents who refused to give up”. And thus, “I decided it was time to tell my story. I hope this inspires families to never give up.”

Jenson’s motivational revelation seems to have hit former World No.1 and German ex-pro Boris Becker in a big way. He couldn’t resist himself from extending his support to the young American. Becker took to his X account and shared a post while sending a heartfelt message to Jenson Brooksby. “Love your honesty and good luck in Australia! We all carry extra baggage nobody knows about ….”, he wrote. Continuing further, he added, “You will inspire millions of young athletes around the world that giving up is NOT an option! Well done Jenson”

Meanwhile, Jenson is looking forward to his comeback at the first Major of the next season. It’s been two years since he played in the Australian Open and he would like to make it big in the prestigious event.

Jenson Brooksby determined to make an impact with his return in 2025

For the unversed, Jenson Brooksby played his last Australian Open match nearly two years ago. Back in January 2023, he upset three-time Grand Slam runner-up Casper Ruud in the second round. However, he couldn’t extend his run further. He was eliminated after losing against Tommy Paul. But now, he’s ready to make a strong impression, come January 2025. It becomes evident from his social media post shared in the beginning of this year.

“It gives me tremendous joy, and relief, that I can get back to doing what I love. The last 13 months have been exhausting, and a nightmare I don’t wish on anyone,” he wrote on his Instagram post, dated February 15.

He was banned after missing back-to-back anti-doping tests. Initially his ban duration was to end in January 2025. Fortunately, the suspension was later reduced to 13 months. In February, the ITIA revealed that his ban would culminate on March 3, 2024. Which means now he’s free to participate in competitive events. According to the agency, his “degree of fault … should be reassessed” as per the new information emerging in the case. In simple words, he will come back to the court 10 months sooner after the reduction in suspension.

Before his return in the Australian Open, he may appear in a lower-level Challenger Tour in Canberra. There, he would like to test his movement and overall stroke-making skills. Do you think Jenson Brooksby will be able to leave a lasting impression in the first Major of 2025? Let us know in the comments below.