Boris Becker full of praise for American Jenson Brooksby, after ATP star shed light on his ordeal with autism.
Jenson Brooksby and Boris Becker (via X/CNN)
ATP star Jenson Brooksby recently opened up about his experience with autism. The American star, who has not played in any competitive match for almost two years, narrated that he has struggled with the disorder. That led tennis Legend Boris Becker to show support for the 24-year-old.
However, it is worth noting that Brooksby was banned from professional tennis by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for 18 months. The American did not fail a drug test but missed three tests within a 12-month period. Nonetheless, his ban was reduced after an investigation proved that there was a miscommunication between his team and a doping control officer.
The 24-year-old was eligible to return to the court in March 2024, but will only make his comeback in the 2025 season. He will also play at the Australian Open. In a recent interview, Brooksby revealed that he spent 40 hours a week with therapists when he was a kid and didn’t know how to talk until he was four.
The tennis ace has made progress since then but according to Michael Wagner, a behavioral analyst, narrated that autism affects Brooksby’s decision-making. Boris Becker took to social media to show support for him.
Love your honesty and good luck in Australia! We all carry extra baggage that no one knows about… You will inspire millions of young athletes around the world and make them understand that giving up is not an option! Well done Jenson.
Boris Becker wrote on X
Love your honesty and good luck in Australia!
We all carry extra baggage nobody knows about ….
You will inspire millions of young athletes around the world that giving up is NOT an option!
Well done Jenson https://t.co/YDoBR1Gi44— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) December 20, 2024
Brooksby also revealed that he plans to return at the ATP Challenger Tour in Canberra, before heading to the Australian Open, which starts on January 12. The American star’s best run in Melbourne was in 2023, where he reached the third round.
Boris Becker reacts to Jakub Mensik’s bizarre doping drama at the Next Gen ATP Finals
On Thursday (December 19), Jakub Mensik found himself at the center of a bizarre controversy during his match against Arthur Fils at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. The Czech Republic star was desperate in need of a win to keep his hopes alive in the tournament but was left visibly frustrated after being approached for a drug test during a toilet break.
He was trailing by a set when he requested a break. Tennis legend, Boris Becker reacted to a social media post about the situation with a one-word reply.
What?!?
Boris Becker wrote via X
What ?!? https://t.co/msy8HtvBQO
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) December 20, 2024
Despite Mensik’s efforts to regain his focus in the match, the interruption appeared to have a serious effect on his momentum. Fils went on to a crucial 4-2, 4-3, 4-2 victory, leaving Mensik on the brink of elimination.
