30-year-old American tennis player Jennifer Brady is a fan favorite.
However, fans have not seen her on the court much in the past five years. The 2021 Australian Open finalist suffered a knee injury at the 2021 Cincinnati Open that kept her out of the game for two years.
Brilliance from Jennifer Brady!
She’s into the #AusOpen final! pic.twitter.com/7y6EsnnYGa
— USTA (@usta) February 18, 2021
She made her return in 2023 for the US Open hardcourt series in Washington, DC and Cincinnati. This culminated with a US Open return where she made it to the third round.
Welcome back, Jennifer Brady!
The American records her first win at the #USOpen since 2020. pic.twitter.com/yXoCNL8iGj
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2023
A brief run at the October 2023 China Open was the last time Brady played competitive tennis.
That is about to change as Brady is in the qualifying draw for the 2026 Australian Open and will step on the court on or around January 12, 2026 to begin her comeback bid.
Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open qualifying draw with a protected ranking. 👀💪 pic.twitter.com/NHXsEVTCIC
— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) December 25, 2025
What A Jennifer Brady Return Means For Women’s Tennis
Brady has been out of tennis so long that she has not played many of the current players.
She is a fighter on the court, and her return means that she is healthy.
Brady also must have confidence in her game that it is sharp enough after no match play for such a long time.
She is part of the veteran US women’s group of players that includes Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Sloane Stephens. Brady currently co-hosts The Player’s Box podcast with Keys, Pegula, and Desirae Krawczyk.
Women’s tennis is so deep with talent and filled with interesting personalities that Brady is an added and unexpected player to put in the mix.
