Jennifer Brady's physical struggles have continued, with the American having to pull out of the 2024 Australian Open.
Brady had been one of many comeback players set to play in Melbourne. This includes two-time champion Naomi Osaka, whose first tournament was in Brisbane, where she lost in the second round to Karolina Pliskova.
The Australian Open was the scene of Brady's best career achievement to date. It was the American who played Osaka in the 2021 final at the first Grand Slam of the year. She lost, but her run was still a memorable one.
Unfortunately, things became more difficult for Brady after that. She sustained a knee injury against Jelena Ostapenko at the Cincinnati Masters. It was a serious problem, and it kept her away from the sport for two years.
The 28-year-old did not return until the 2023 Washington Open. Her level was surprisingly strong after such a long time out. The former Grand Slam finalist easily defeated Anhelina Kalinina, before losing to Madison Keys, who also withdrew recently from the Australian Open.
Brady carried that good form into the 2023 US Open. She progressed to the third round, only being stopped by former runner-up at Flushing Meadows, Caroline Wozniacki. All seemed to be looking up for Brady.
Sadly, she had to retire from her contest at the China Open against Magda Linette in October. Brady did not play for the rest of the 2023 season.
Now, Brady has had to withdraw from the Australian Open. Missing any Grand Slam is difficult. However, missing the Grand Slam she had so much success at, and after such a long previous injury layoff, is a difficult setback for her.
Hopefully, we see Brady back as soon as possible, and further injury issues do not completely derail what was such a promising career.
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