Tennis: Jenson Brooksby Suspended For 18 Months Failing 3 Anti-Doping Tests
At 22 years old and rated 301st in the ATP, the American will not be able to play again until January 2025.
Jenson Brooksby was suspended for 18 months due to failing three unexpected anti-doping tests
An impartial panel determined that American tennis player Jenson Brooksby had failed three drug tests in a single year, and he was sentenced to eighteen months of ban.
According to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), Brooksby acknowledged his “whereabouts failures” for two of the three tests that he missed. But the tribunal deemed him to be highly at fault for the third test. Athletes who miss three “whereabout failures” in a year may be punished without testing positive for anti-doping substances.
On social media, Brooksby, who has never used a substance that is prohibited, posted, “I comprehend it is my responsibility and will learn and grow.” He acknowledged that he should have taken two of the missing examinations, but he insisted that the test he missed on June 4, 2022, should be excused.
He said he was unaware that a doping control officer was looking for him that morning, that his phone was silent when it was called, and that his hotel room had never been called. Brooksby stated, “I was awake and had nothing to hide,” adding that he planned to challenge the decision.
Jenson Brooksby has high hopes for his tennis career.
After having two procedures for dislocated wrist tendons earlier this year, Brooksby, who turns 23 on Thursday, has been rated as high as No. 33 and is presently at No. 301.
At the Australian Open in January, he defeated Casper Ruud before falling to eventual semifinalist Tommy Paul in his final match on the circuit. The US Open in 2021, where Brooksby lost to Novak Djokovic in the fourth round after reaching that stage, was his best performance at a major competition.
Brooksby is optimistic about his tennis career despite the setback. He posted on social media that he would return and hoped it would be soon.
All athletes are reminded by the ITIA’s ruling that they are accountable for following anti-doping rules.
Athletes need to know their “whereabouts” and make sure they can always be found to be tested. The ITIA’s statement about Brooksby’s ban highlights their dedication to keeping the tennis playing field level.
