'It's A Hassle': Brooksby Calls For Easier Way To Drug Testing Amid Ban

| by Nurein Ahmed

Jenson Brooksby is provisionally suspended from the ATP Tour due to missing three doping tests but admits the entire process and protocols are a hassle for the players.

In his first appearance in the Tennis Channel studios, Brooksby confirmed he accepted a provisional suspension from International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) in early July for missing three out-of-competition doping tests in a 12-month period, but requested a hearing to deny the charges.

Acceptance of the suspension isn't an admission of taking any banned substances, as Brooksby clarified in his statement, and is waiting for an arbitration with an independent tribunal. Brooksby noted that the respects and supports the anti-doping measures put in place by the relevant bodies, but says it's a tough thing for the players.

Brooksby highlighted that tennis players are always on the go, be it playing, having media commitments, or adjusting their training plans, and it would make total sense not to make the entire process unrestrictive. The 22-year-old from Sacramento is also looking forward to clearing his name of any wrongdoing in a hearing later this year.

Former World No. 33 Brooksby Provisionally Suspended For Missing Doping Tests
Former World No. 33 Brooksby Provisionally Suspended For Missing Doping Tests

"The testing you have to put in an hour every single day at a location, It's such a tough thing for players to deal with. It's just difficult, Plans can change, or it didn't come to your mind."

"I think it is (restrictive). Because plans of training or interviews and things like that, there's so many things that can change and it's just tough for all the players. I wish there is an easier way to do it but at the end of the day we still have to deal with what’s given to us and I'll do a better job of being on it every single day in the future but it’s something that’s tough for the players."

Brooksby underwent surgery on both wrists this year and is preparing to pick up a racket in late August. He says the absence of a full-time physio during the off-season last year might have caused him to pick up his recent injuries.

"I think the biggest problem for me is I didn't have my physio in December and January, and it was a big factor in me getting hurt."

Rune Sheds Light On Brutal Anti-Doping Checks Amid Brooksby Ban
Rune Sheds Light On Brutal Anti-Doping Checks Amid Brooksby Ban

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