The Changeover Podcast Jennifer Brady: Playing Osaka & Pegula, Jealousy, WTA Racket Specs, Knee Surgery Comeback
Jan 31, 2026
Jennifer Brady, a U.S. pro and Grand Slam finalist, talks candidly about her cadaver cartilage knee transplant, brutal non-weight-bearing rehab, and staged comeback plan through ITFs. She shares the mental darkness of injury, coaching and podcasting as recovery outlets, tactical thoughts on facing players like Naomi Osaka, racket and string experiments, and friendships and jealousy on tour.
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Cadaver Cartilage Transplant And Recovery
- Jennifer Brady described having a cadaver cartilage transplant and an eight to ten week non-weight-bearing recovery on crutches.
- She explained the emotional and physical toll of being sidelined since October 2023 before returning to USTA training in Orlando.
The Mental Grind Of Long Rehabilitation
- Brady shared the unknowns and mental lows during rehab, including doubts about ever playing again.
- She recounted plateaus, lost strength, and multiple restarts of basic practice progressions.
UCLA Coaching Year Gave New Purpose
- Brady spent 2024 at UCLA as a volunteer assistant coach and studying, which she enjoyed.
- Coaching gave her purpose during recovery and sparked interest in a post-playing coaching role.