Former Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady sidelined by knee surgery

Injury-plagued American Jennifer Brady has announced that she is undergoing knee surgery and will be out for an indefinite period. Brady also missed two years from 2021 to 2023.

Jennifer Brady and Naomi Osaka

Ricky Dimon

January 18, 2024

Jennifer Brady, who was runner-up at the 2021 Australian Open, announced via social media on Wednesday that she will be out “for quite some time” due to upcoming knee surgery.

It isn’t the first time Brady has dealt with physical problems. After reaching the Aussie Open title match (lost to Naomi Osaka), the American peaked at No 13 in the rankings. However, she suffered a knee injury at the Cincinnati Masters that summer and was out for two years.

Brady aborted a planned comeback at the 2023 French Open due to a foot issue, instead returning for the US hard-court swing. She won six matches in total last year, including two at Flushing Meadows (lost to Caroline Wozniacki).

Now, she is sidelined again.

“I’ve taken some time to focus on myself and during that time, I had a chance to reflect on the last several challenger years,” Brady posted on X (formerly Twitter). “While it hasn’t been easy dealing with injuries and taking time off at the peak of my tennis career, I was grateful and happy to be back competing and playing at the highest level during the US swing and end of lat year.

“I wanted to let everyone know that unfortunately during (the) off-season I had another setback and I’ll be having surgery on my knee. With this surgery, I will be out for quite some time as the recovery and rehab process is extensive.

“Thanks to everyone who’s supported me on my journey on and off the court. I plan on being back ripping forehands soon.”

Brady also announced that she will be a volunteer assistant coach at UCLA this spring. She played college tennis at the school in 2013 and 2014.