Former world No33 Jenson Brooksby has 18-month ban for missing three drug tests slashed and could return NEXT MONTH

JENSON BROOKSBY can return to the tennis circuit next month after his doping ban was cut to 13 months.

Last October, the American – a former world No.33 – was handed an 18-month suspension by an independent tribunal for missing three drugs tests within a year.

AP

Jenson Brooksby could return to the court next month[/caption]

But that has reduced by five months after new information emerged relating to the circumstances giving rise to those missed tests.

This formed part of the player’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal proceedings and was not presented during the initial hearing.

It has been determined by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, in consultation with the World Anti-Doping Agency, that his suspension should now be changed.

It means he will be eligible to play again professionally after March 3 because the suspension had been backdated to the date of his third and final missed test in February 2023.

The change also means an expensive trip to Switzerland for a CAS appeal is now off the cards.

Californian Brooksby, 23, reached the fourth round at the 2021 US Open and made the Wimbledon third round the year later.

He took to Instagram to share a statement following the news of his reduced ban.

It read: “It gives me tremendous joy, and relief, that I can get back to doing what I love.

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“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.

“I want to thank my sponsors for all their continued support. It means the world to me.

“Lastly, to all my loyal fans – thank you for your kind words and constant support. Let’s go!!”