Jennifer Brady climbed to the world’s 13th position in February 2021 after making her way to her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open.
Jennifer Brady, a former finalist at the Australian Open, celebrated her comeback to the WTA Tour with a two-set win at the DC Open, following a two-year break.
Injuries to her knee and foot had forced the 28-year-old American out of play, causing her world ranking to plunge from 16th to 1,056th during her healing period.
Resuming play in Washington, Brady decisively defeated 28th-seeded Anhelina Kalinina from Ukraine with a score of 6-2, 6-1.
Her next opponent will be seventh seed Madison Keys, who is also her partner in the doubles game.
“I am quite satisfied with how I started off, managed my feelings, remained faithful to my game strategy and managed to secure a victory,” said Brady.
“Tennis is a crucial part of my identity, and I hope I never lose that. I’m simply glad to be back here, competing with the best.”
During the second round of the Western and Southern Open on 18 August 2021, Brady had to retire from the game against Jelena Ostapenko due to a foot injury, later identified as a torn plantar fascia.
A semi-finalist at the US Open in 2020, Brady advanced to the final round in Australia in 2021, unfortunately losing to Naomi Osaka in both these significant events.
To prepare for her return to the WTA Tour, she participated in a $100,000 ITF World Tennis Tour event in Canada a fortnight ago.
On Tuesday, she only needed one hour and eight minutes to secure an opening victory over Kalinina, breaking her rival’s serve six times and clinching 10 of the final 11 games.
This victory represents her best performance, based on ranking, since her Grand Slam final journey in Australia.
Ex-US Open finalist Keys overcame China’s Zheng Qinwen with a 7-5, 6-1 score, establishing a face-off with Brady. Keys and Brady have already made it to the second round in the doubles competition.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jennifer Brady’s return
Who is Jennifer Brady?
Jennifer Brady is an American professional tennis player. She reached the world’s 13th position in February 2021 after making her way to her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open.
Why was Jennifer Brady absent from the WTA Tour?
Jennifer Brady was absent from the WTA Tour due to injuries to her knee and foot. These injuries forced her out of play and her world ranking plunged from 16th to 1,056th during her healing period.
How did Jennifer Brady perform at the DC Open?
Jennifer Brady marked her return to the WTA Tour with a two-set victory at the DC Open. She decisively defeated the 28th-ranked Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine with a score of 6-2, 6-1.
Who will Jennifer Brady face next at the DC Open?
Jennifer Brady will next face the seventh seed Madison Keys, who is also her doubles partner.
What was Jennifer Brady’s last significant performance before the DC Open?
Before her triumphant return at the DC Open, Jennifer Brady’s last significant performance was at the Australian Open in 2021 where she reached the final but lost to Naomi Osaka.
More about Jennifer Brady’s return
- Jennifer Brady’s career profile
- WTA Tour official site
- DC Open official site
- Australian Open 2021: Naomi Osaka vs Jennifer Brady match review
- Information on Madison Keys
6 comments
dang, injuries can really mess up a career huh, dropping from 16 to 1056, that’s just… ouch! Glad she’s recovered now.
Cant believe shes back and winning again. Way to stick it to the injury, Brady!
Brady vs Keys, now that’s a match i gotta see. doubles partners going head-to-head, interesting.
I remember her match against Osaka, it was intense! Hope she gets another shot at the title soon.
just an hour to win after a 2yr break?! thats some next level stuff, hope she keeps it up.
wow, great to see Brady back in the game! That’s some serious comeback, way to go Jennifer!