Brady prioritises match fitness during return from 848-day absence

Jennifer Brady described a measured approach to rebuilding her tennis after an 848-day competitive absence. Speaking before the Miami Open, the former world number thirteen said uncertainty during recovery from a serious knee injury had been the hardest part of the layoff.

Brady returned at a San Diego ITF W100 in January and reached the semifinals. Wildcards then brought opportunities in Austin qualifying and the Indian Wells and Miami main draws, while her first six comeback matches included three defeats, all in deciding sets.

The 2021 Australian Open finalist said improving match toughness and remaining healthy mattered more than immediate ranking targets. Her planned first-round meeting with Sloane Stephens, another American returning from injury, was to be only her seventh competitive match since resuming her career.