Andy Roddick has publicly acknowledged his earlier misjudgments about American tennis player Jenson Brooksby, expressing admiration for Brooksby’s courageous comeback and his openness about living with autism. This development, occurring as Wimbledon approaches in June 2025, highlights a shift in Roddick’s perspective after Brooksby’s battle with an 18-month suspension and his remarkable return to professional tennis.

Brooksby’s journey, marked by talent, adversity, and transparency, has become an inspirational narrative within the tennis community. Roddick, once a critic, now champions Brooksby’s story, describing it as a powerful example of resilience and self-acceptance that could influence many upcoming athletes.

Andy Roddick Reflects on Jenson Brooksby’s Journey and Overcomes Previous Criticism

During a recent episode of the Tennis Channel Live podcast, host Steve Weissman discussed a feature about Jenson Brooksby, shining a light on the 24-year-old’s story and experiences living with autism. This feature, set to air again during Wimbledon’s coverage, prompted Roddick to reconsider the narrative he once held.

Roddick expressed his newfound respect for Brooksby, emphasizing how the tennis star’s team embraces his differences and reframes his challenges as unique strengths.

It’s inspiring, and the thing that I love about that feature is his team celebrating what makes him different, what makes him special and how you take something that I’m sure it’s challenged him many times in his life and his coach Eric Nunez whom I played juniors with says it’s his superpower. I also felt like a donkey for commenting on Jenson Brooksby,

—Andy Roddick

Roddick’s change of heart was particularly tied to Brooksby’s suspension, which stemmed from missing multiple drug tests in 2023. The former US Open champion confessed he didn’t initially understand the situation but gained insight after Brooksby shared his story publicly.

I didn’t understand how someone could miss tests for suspension when you had two, three. I am glad that he let us in on his story so that we actually know how to negotiate commentary on him. Completely changed it, I’m in awe of Jenson Brooksby, I love that he shared his story,

—Andy Roddick

He further reflected on the positive impact Brooksby’s honesty could have on others:

I am sure he will inspire many, many, many young tennis players, athletes, or people that just need to figure to look to and say, listen, if this guy can win and be on tour in professional tennis and make this into his strength, then why can’t we?

—Andy Roddick

Jenson Brooksby’s Battle with Suspension and His Open Revelation About Autism

In October 2023, Jenson Brooksby faced an 18-month suspension after missing three drug tests within a year, an incident that threatened to halt a promising career. The provisional suspension began in July 2023, retroactively effective until March 3, 2024, allowing Brooksby to resume competing afterward.

Before his return, Brooksby made a significant personal disclosure in December 2024 by revealing his diagnosis with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a diagnosis made in early childhood when he was nonverbal until age four. He shared the story candidly on social media, providing context for challenges he encountered throughout his life.

It’s time for me to share something that I have kept quiet for my entire life. 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.

—Jenson Brooksby

This was followed by an interview with the Associated Press where Brooksby expressed his hope that telling his story might provide encouragement for others facing similar struggles.

I decided it was time to tell my story. I hope this inspires families to never give up,

—Jenson Brooksby

How Autism Shaped Brooksby’s Early Years and Tennis Career

Jenson Brooksby’s diagnosis meant intensive childhood therapy dedicated to developing communication and social skills. He described the significant effort it took just to begin speaking and connect with others.

I spent about 40 hours a week with therapists to be able to even just start talking … (and) then to get better at communication and social situations,

—Jenson Brooksby

Despite these hurdles, Brooksby discovered sport as an outlet. Tennis, alongside basketball, swimming, and track and field, became channels through which he could express himself and harness his energy effectively.

Brooksby’s openness about his autism has given him a renewed sense of purpose as he prepares to compete again, notably at Wimbledon. His story now encapsulates more than athletic performance; it symbolizes perseverance and the ability to redefine challenges as strengths.

The Broader Impact of Brooksby’s Story on Tennis and Beyond

Jenson Brooksby’s journey, involving struggle, suspension, and personal revelation, has resonated deeply within the sporting world. His transparency about his autism challenges prevailing notions about what athletes with neurodivergence can achieve at the highest level.

Andy Roddick’s endorsement and public apology for earlier misjudgment further legitimize Brooksby’s experience, potentially easing stigma and inspiring many younger players who may feel isolated or misunderstood. This narrative shift encourages a more compassionate and nuanced discussion around neurodiversity in competitive sports.

As Brooksby continues his comeback on the professional circuit, his story is likely to attract further attention, not only for his performance on the court but also as a beacon of hope for others managing similar journeys with courage and determination.

With Wimbledon approaching, all eyes will be on Brooksby, who aims to transform personal adversity into a testament of resilience and capability, embodying the spirit of a true champion who turns obstacles into opportunities.