Jenson Brooksby: Life on the autism spectrum & why winning means so much more

Jenson Brooksby, who won his first ATP Tour title in April during World Autism Month, penned a first-person essay for ATPTour.com about life on the spectrum, the lessons he's learned and why he wants to help others.

This year’s Houston tournament was probably the best week of my life.

I started the event as a qualifying wild card and faced at least one match point in three separate matches. That is as big of a challenge as you will face on court, but I found a way to win the title. One of my biggest goals since becoming a professional tennis player was to earn an ATP Tour trophy. Accomplishing it meant the world to me.

Read more on USTA.com: Brooksby completes dramatic run to first ATP Tour title in Houston

In January, I returned from multiple wrist surgeries and a shoulder injury, so saving match points was just another obstacle to overcome. What most people do not know is that I have been dealing with more than injuries and difficult matches throughout my life.

In December, I shared for the first time that as a child I was diagnosed on the severe end of the autism spectrum.

Around one in 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, so I am like millions of people around the world. But it is not something you hear many professional athletes speaking about.

In just a few months, I have received so many positive messages from people, whether it has been on social media or from fans in person. The whole experience has been very rewarding, especially to win a title in April, which is World Autism Month.