'It's tough for the players': Jenson Brooksby says drug test protocols in tennis are too restrictive after provisional suspension

Tuesday, 01 August 2023 at 16:47

Jenson Brooksby has said he wishes there was another way to carry out drug tests in the sport after being accused of missing three in a 12-month period.

American tennis player Brooksby has shared on social media that he has accepted a provisional suspension following allegations that he missed three drugs tests in twelve months.

Even if athletes do not test positive for any banned substances, they can face punishments for missing three tests, known as 'whereabouts failures' in a year. Brooksby has stated on his social media that he denies the charges against him. In an Instagram post, the former world No. 33 wrote,

"As of July 5th, 2023, I will be accepting a provisional suspension due to an allegation of three missed tests in a 12-month period. The provisional suspension is not an admission that I have done anything wrong; to the contrary, I have denied this charge and am waiting for an arbitration with an independent tribunal. The protocols of the anti-doping program are in place to protect the integrity of our sport, and I respect and support these protocols."

Brooksby says drug testing is hard to keep up with

In an interview with 'Tennis Channel', Brooksby opened up about his provisional suspension, and pointed out that it is sometimes difficult for tennis players, who travel all over the world for most of the year, to always be available for a drugs test when required.

The 22-year-old said that the system is too restrictive, before adding,

"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."

Excited to clear his name

Although he may not be able to change the drugs testing system, Brooksby says he is looking forward to getting his name cleared,

"I've requested it hearing so hopefully this year will get to do that and just be able to explain everything and turn it around and just get back to my main focus, which is being on the court," he said.