Tough Times for 22-Year-Old American Rising Tennis Star as Doping Negligence Proves Costly With Provisional Suspension From the ATP Tour

Suspension due to doping has been a hot topic in tennis lately. Simona Halep‘s ban brought the discussion back to light after the Romanian tested positive for roxadustat. The former world number 1 is not alone now that a young ATP talent joins her. The 22-year-old American, who registered the biggest win of his career at this year’s Australian Open is going through a tough period.

Jenson Brooksby was climbing up the ranks and reached a career-high ranking of 33. He beat the world number 4 Casper Ruud at Australian Open and looked all set to make a deep run. However, things fell apart for the American since then. He suffered a next-round exit, failed to return to tour owing to the injuries, and now the new doping debacle hovers around his head.

Jenson Brooksby faces provisional suspension

After missing three doping tests in the last 12 months, the American accepted a provisional suspension from the ITIA. The anti-doping rules can prosecute an athlete if they miss three or more tests in a span of 12 months. Brooksby plans to go to arbitration. He said via Tennis.com “Taking the provisional suspension is the best decision that we have to make right now. I’ve never failed a drug test. I’ve never taken any bad substances.”

Brooksby also weighed in on his personal issues. He feels like there is too much on his plate now with injuries, bans and a coaching split. Time away from the sport might do him some good.

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Jenson Brooksby hits rock bottom

The American believes that he is going through the toughest period of his life. After speaking on his ban, he talked about his personal life. Brooksby added, “Since Australia, it’s been the toughest part of my life. The wrists were a struggle. Then at the same time, leaving my coach who I had been with since I was 7 years old. There is also the doping thing. I’m really just looking forward to being back on the court and putting all of it behind me.”

Quite a few players including Amanda Anisimova have taken a break from tennis right now. Brooksby currently is not in the right place to focus on tennis. There are certain things more important than the sport and mental health is surely one of them. A speedy recovery for Brooksby followed by a return to tour would be great to see.

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