(August 28, 2023) FLUSHING, New York – For the past few years, American Jennifer Brady has been fighting to get back on the court. Ranked as high No. 13 in the world and a 2021 Australian Open finalist, the American was sidelined with a knee injury. She just returned to the WTA Tour at the Citi Open in Washington, DC in August, using a protected ranking to get into draws. The American’s live ranking is No. 433 in the world.

On Monday, Brady played her first match at the US Open since 2020, beating Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 7-6(4).

Tennis Panorama spoke to Jennifer Brady a few days ago at a tennis clinic she led for Babolat at Court 16 in the Wall Street area.

She spoke to TPN about the road back: “Very challenging to stay motivated and know that I would be able to play again. There were a lot of days when I was uncertain of when I would return, or when I would be healthy enough to start competing again, but after two years, I think this time my body finally agreed with me and here I am today getting ready to play the US Open.

She talked about her mindset coming into this US Open: “My mindset is the same as every other tournament. I’m going to approach it as another tournament, another opportunity, another chance to go as far as I possibly can. I don’t usually approach tournaments thinking I’m going to win them, obviously I have the mindset that I can win them, but I never expect to win them so it’s going to be extremely challenging especially at a Grand Slam. My first Grand Slam since being out and the first time I’m playing here since 2020.”

Brady spoke to media on Monday after her match to talk about the match itself and her comeback:

Brady: “Yeah, you know, it’s always good to get a win at a Grand Slam. You know, I think everyone shows up and competes a little bit harder than, you know, at any of the other tournaments.

“The tension is always high and nerves are running. Waking up this morning, I actually had a lot of nerves. Was feeling some jitters, and was just happy that I was able to find a way to come out with the win today.”

“Yeah, last time I was here there were no fans (2020) she said with a smile. “Very different today, playing out on Court 5 was an unbelievable atmosphere. I think, you know, some people maybe say it’s not a good court or they’re not good enough for that court, but it was unbelievable playing in front of the American crowd. Everyone was cheering for me, supporting me.

“It was extremely loud. You know, I think just getting people from Court 4, Court 6. Yeah, it’s always good to play in front of a full court. Stands are packed. There was a lot of energy and it helped me, you know, just stay in the moment and fired up and win the match today.”

Asked about how her victory felt, she said:

“Yeah, it feels huge. Last time I played a Grand Slam was, I mean, in 2021. So the slams are where we want to peak and perform our best, and those are the ones that really matter. You know, every tournament matters, but the Grand Slam is always something bigger. You always want to do your best there and hopefully you peak at a Grand Slam and not a 250.

“You never know, but yeah, it’s huge. Today I woke up feeling different than the other days or maybe from other tournaments. You know, I was, like, shaking. But it was good, because it means something to me. I know that, you know, I was going to go out there feeling nervous, you know, knew I wasn’t going to play my best tennis.

“I just had to compete, find a way, and just stay in it.”

“Injuries are always tough, ” said the former UCLA Bruin who helped to lead her team to the 2014 division 1 title. “But the toughest part is just not knowing when you’re going to compete again. The unknown is something that, you know, it’s scary. You just never know when the first tournament is going to be, when you’re back, if you’re going to be able to continue playing, go week to week and just keep playing enough or if you’re going to have another setback.

“I mean, it’s tough, but, you know, I’m here, I’m feeling pretty good. I think there is a lot of things I can improve on and get better at, which is also exciting, because, you know, I feel like my level is still there.

“But, you know, at times, you know, some things just aren’t good enough. You know, I’m working every day just to get back to where I was, if not better than where I was, where I left off.

“I learned, you know, I think we take this sport for granted. I think we don’t realize how good of an opportunity we have to be able to play tennis, to travel the world, you know, hitting a little fuzzy ball. You know, we’re able to see things, to do things that other people may never do, and, you know, I think looking forward, I’ll try to have that perspective.

“You know, it’s tough. Sometimes it’s tough. You just kind of get lost in the bubble that we’re in, but, you know, I think just showing up, having a different perspective, I think it’s something that I’ll try to do moving forward.”

Brady plays next on Wednesday.

More to follow…