The first Grand Slam of the season is well underway in Melbourne.
Some of the biggest names in women’s tennis are battling it out for the Australian Open title.
Not everyone made the trip down under, though.
What has been the biggest upset at the Australian Open so far?
One former finalist withdrew from Australian Open qualifying with an injury that has kept her out of action for over two years.
However, she has now revealed where and when she will make her return to professional tennis.
Jennifer Brady will return from injury at an ITF event in San Diego
During the latest episode of ‘The Player’s Box Podcast‘, 2021 Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady shared a fitness update.
“Obviously, you know I signed up for Australian Open qualies,” said Brady.
“I would have loved to have been there, but my body just said it wasn’t ready yet.
“So I just made the smart decision to take a few extra weeks to train and then start with some ITF tournaments here in the States.”
The 30-year-old then revealed where she will play her first match since 2023.
“I’m planning to go to San Diego, which would be this week, to play the $100k there,” she said.
“Love a tournament in the States, first tournament back in over two years, so there will definitely be some nerves.
“I don’t know how it’s going to go, but I’ll enjoy every single moment of it, back on court, competing.”
Brady will play the 2026 San Diego Open, an event that runs from January 24 to February 1.
With 100 points up for grabs, Brady could reach the top 600 with a title.
However, it’s unlikely that she’ll win the title, given how long she’s been out of the game.
Brady hasn’t played a match since October 2023.
But why has the American spent so long on the sidelines?
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In January 2024, Brady announced that she needed surgery on her right knee.
Unfortunately, she required another surgery in 2025, which kept her out of action for another season.
Fans haven’t seen Brady play a match in over two years, but when did she last win a match on the WTA Tour?
Jennifer Brady’s last WTA Tour win
Brady last played a WTA tournament at the China Open in 2023.
There, she played her countrywoman, Peyton Stearns, in the first round.
Securing the win without too much trouble, Brady defeated Stearns, 6-4, 6-2, 842 days ago.
Advancing to round two, Brady met Poland’s Magda Linette.
The American only won one game, though, retiring early in the first set with an injury.
She hasn’t played another match since…
But as we prepare for Brady’s return to the tour, it’s important to remember just how talented she is.
After all, she is a former Grand Slam finalist!
Jennifer Brady’s memorable Australian Open run
Just five years ago, Brady made headlines with a sensational run to the Australian Open final.
Travelling to Melbourne as the number-22 seed, she took down some big names on her route to the championship match.
- 2021 Australian Open 1R [WIN] vs Aliona Bolsova, 6-1, 6-3
- 2021 Australian Open 2R [WIN] vs Madison Brengle, 6-1, 6-2
- 2021 Australian Open 3R [WIN] vs Kaja Juvan, 6-1, 6-3
- 2021 Australian Open 4R [WIN] vs Donna Vekic, 6-1, 7-5
- 2021 Australian Open QF [WIN] vs Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1
- 2021 Australian Open SF [WIN] vs Karolina Muchova, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4
Standing between Brady and the title was former champion Naomi Osaka.
Unfortunately for Brady, she couldn’t get over the line, losing to Osaka in straight sets, 4-6, 3-6.
Due to injuries, Brady has only played two Grand Slam tournaments since, reaching the third round of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 US Open.
Only time will tell if Brady will make her return to Grand Slam tennis in 2026, but we certainly wish her all the best.
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