Big Blow to American Tennis as 22-Year-Old Prodigy Slapped With 18-Month Suspension in Unfortunate Ruling

Tennis players have to undergo rigorous and unforeseen drug testing to make sure that they are not consuming substances banned by the International Tennis Integrity Agency. However, if a player refuses to attend a test or fails to report for the same, it can have disastrous consequences for their career. Something similar went down today for the American tennis player Jenson Brooksby, as he failed to reach the testing venue.

This not only affects his career going forward but also soils his name in the world of tennis. Let’s take a look at what happened.

Jenson Brooksby gets suspended for failure to report for drug testing

According to the ITIA, the independent tribunal, established by the Sport Resolutions, met on the 10 of October to hear from Brooksby and the Doping Control Officer, along with other witnesses, about the second of the three missed drug tests. Out of the 3 misses, Brooksby’s 1 and 3 missed tests were accepted as valid by the player, but there was a dispute around the 2 missed test.

However, after hearing from the tennis player himself and the doping control office for the 2 test, it was concluded that Brooksby was at fault for all 3.

It was concluded that not only did he make himself not available for the test, but also was negligent. This has in turn led to an 18-month long suspension for the player. How would that affect his career going forward?

How does this suspension affect Brooksby?

Due to this suspension, Brooksby will not be able to play in, coach at, or attend any tennis event sanctioned by the tennis members of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). This includes the following tours, such as Wimbledon, US Open, Roland Garros, Australian Open, along with all the events organized by the ITF, ATP, and WTA.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘Gutted for Tennis!’ – Andy Murray, Petra Kvitova, Simona Halep, and Other Tennis Players Send Heartfelt Messages to Ashleigh Barty After Her Retirement Announcement

After this suspension, Brooksby will have 21 days to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The CEO of ITIA also mentioned that players should not fall foul of the rules when it comes to anti-doping tests. This certainly is a huge blow for the American star.

WATCH THIS STORY: Will Smith Shows How King Richard Cast Trained Like Serena and Venus Williams