In tennis, fate can change very quickly. Ask 24-year-old Jenson Brooksby, who is going through a rough patch. Last year, he was banned after missing three doping tests. Initially given an 18-month ban, Brooksby’s ban was reduced by 10 months by the ITIA. However, the American star hasn’t played since the Australian Open in 2023. What’s more, Brooksby is also suffering from a concerning health condition, and he opened up about it.

After missing out on tennis action for months now, the American star is gearing up for a comeback next year. Ahead of his comeback, he revealed details of his poor health condition amid his doping ban. Brooksby is suffering from autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder. During an interview, he revealed how it was ‘easy to get depressed’ in this condition.

Brooksby went on to say, “It’s … just something I don’t want to have to keep to myself. It’s obviously a personal topic that, even with people you may feel very comfortable with — in my mind, at least for a long time — it wasn’t (something) to just go blurting out as part of a conversation, you know? But I’ve always thought about it and … I, eventually, just wanted to talk about it.”

To make matters worse, he also faced a lengthy ban for missing the doping tests. The American star missed three doping tests within a period of 12 months and invited punishment from the ITIA. However, he maintained his innocence, saying, “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.”

Meanwhile, there was some relief for Brooksby as his ban was reduced to eight months after initially being handed an 18-month ban. Subsequently, he expressed his gratitude toward his close ones for their massive support amid tough times.

Jenson Brooksby glad to be back on the court

In February this year, the ITIA revealed that Brooksby’s ban was cut by 10 months. He will be free to return in March 2024. New information relating to the circumstances giving rise to the missed tests made it possible for Brooksby to have his ban reduced. Subsequently, the American star was elated with his punishment being reduced.

Thanking his family and friends for their support, Brooksby revealed, “It gives me tremendous joy, and relief, that I can get back to doing what I love. The last 13 months have been exhausting, and a nightmare I don’t wish on anyone. To my family, my team, and all my extended family and friends – thank you for keeping my head up through these difficult times.”

After Brooksby’s case was assessed again, the ITIA, WADA, and his representatives agreed that his fault for the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) was less severe than previously determined. This led to a reduced ban. “Following reassessment, the ITIA, WADA, and the player’s representatives agreed that Brooksby’s fault for the ADRV was not as high as previously found by the independent tribunal, and a 13-month sanction was appropriate. The sanction will be backdated to the date of the player’s third and final missed test. As such, Brooksby’s suspension is deemed to have begun on 4 February 2023, and will end on 3 March 2024. In reaching an agreement with the ITIA, the player has withdrawn their appeal to CAS.” the ITIA statement said.

While that was definitely good news, Brooksby has had to deal with his autism struggles. And he hasn’t played tennis in almost two years now. Nonetheless, he is gearing up for a return next year and hopes to get back to his best soon.