Do you know what defines champions? Well, one of the strong traits is that they can turn their weakness into their strength. Take the example of Coco Gauff at the French Open this year. Known for her weak serves, Gauff utilized the slowness of the clay courts and used her serves well to outwit her opponents. Another young American star, who is slowly and steadily taking big strides on the tour, is turning his weakness into his biggest strength. He is none other than the 24-year-old Jenson Brooksby, who is suffering from Autism. Recently, he revealed how he overcame this condition to carve a niche for himself on the court.

Brooksby suffers from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and was diagnosed with it at a very young age. He has been having one of the best seasons of his career and won the ATP title in Houston after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the summit clash. Although he had a tough last year after suffering an injury, Brooksby made a strong comeback and won his maiden ATP title this year. Recently, Brooksby made it to the second round of the US Open, where he was interviewed and revealed how he turns his autism disorder into his strength.

Brooksby said, “I’m just unorthodox, but I think it’s a strength. I have a lot of different shots and I can use them maybe because I naturally see the court a little better than some other guys.” Unlike other tennis stars who go out in a tried and tested way, Brooksby likes to experiment, and this can sometimes take his opponents by surprise. In turn, Brooksby can reap the advantage of his unorthodox ways and leave a mark on the tour.

Meanwhile, it was a life-changing experience for Brooksby after winning his first ATP title. The young American star received widespread support and opened up about how proud he was after winning in Houston.

Jenson Brooksby relishes the best week of his career

Going into the ATP 250 event in Houston, Brooksby wasn’t very confident and not in the best of form. He had just lost in the first round of the Miami Open and had some inconsistent results. Nonetheless, he came back strongly to win the biggest title of his career so far.

After the win, Brooksby said, “I had a great week on the court and that was important in itself, but it was about more than advancing round to round. Winning also gave me the chance to hear more stories from people I met at the tournament. If I had lost in the first or second round, I wouldn’t have been there as long, and I would not have gotten as many messages on social media or raised as much awareness about autism as I hopefully did.”

Indeed, it is heartening to see how one tournament can change the way a player looks at their career. It set the stage for Brooksby to rise in his career, and with the best years in front of him, it won’t be a surprise to see him as the next big thing in men’s tennis for the United States.