Further injury woes for Jennifer Brady, announces further knee surgery and temporary coaching role after Australian Open absence

A runner-up at the 2021 Australian Open, Jennifer Brady was a notable absentee when it came to the Entry List for the 2024 tournament. But the reason has now been confirmed with the former finalist set for yet another knee surgery and will be 'out for some time'.

Entering Melbourne on a protected ranking and was looking to build on her run to the third round at the US Open, she withdrew after suffering another setback at the China Open in Beijing. After radio silence like most of her time away from the court, she posted an update on social media to announce that she is set for further surgery.

However, she will be using her time off court to study for an undergraduate degree at UCLA and will take up a role as an assistant coach. She played college tennis at the school in 2013 and 2014. After showing superb signs of a return to form during the US hard court swing, it is another tough blow for Brady and a player who is unlikely to produce another comeback soon.

“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 last 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.”