Jenson Brooksby suspended 18 months for missed drug tests

American tennis player, Jenson Brooksby, has been hit with an 18-month suspension following an investigation that revealed he had missed three drug tests within a year.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency, responsible for maintaining the integrity of the sport, stated that Brooksby had acknowledged the validity of two of the missed tests due to “whereabouts failures.” Additionally, the tribunal found the degree of fault on his part regarding the other test to be “high.”

According to the anti-doping regulations, athletes can face penalties even without returning a positive test if they fail to comply with whereabouts requirements on three occasions within 12 months.

On social media, Brooksby expressed his position on the matter, stating, “I have never taken a banned substance in my life, and I was open and honest with the ITIA throughout my case. I understand that it is my responsibility and will learn and grow. I accepted that 2 of my missed tests were my fault, but I continue to maintain that my June 4, 2022 missed test should be set aside.”

Brooksby claimed that he was unaware a doping control officer was attempting to reach him on that particular morning. He stated that his cellphone was on silent mode and that his hotel room was never contacted.

“I was awake and had nothing to hide,” Brooksby added, emphasizing his intention to challenge the verdict through an appeal.

Having accepted a provisional suspension in July, his ban will be retroactively applied from that date until January 4, 2025. Brooksby and his advisor, Amrit Narasimhan, intend to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport within the three-week window provided.

“Jenson is very disappointed,” said Narasimhan. “However, we are focused on our next steps and are determined to appeal with the CAS.”

The Californian, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday this week, once held a career-high ranking of No. 33. Currently, he sits at No. 301 after limited activity due to wrist tendon dislocation, which resulted in surgeries on both arms earlier this year.

His most recent competitive appearance was at the Australian Open in January, where he defeated Casper Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, before bowing out to semifinalist Tommy Paul.

As his best performance thus far, Brooksby reached the fourth round at the 2021 US Open, where he succumbed to Novak Djokovic in a four-set match.

“I will be back,” expressed Brooksby, eagerly awaiting his return to the sport. “And I hope it will be soon.”