American tennis star who faced a ban reveals he spent 40 hours a week with therapists due to this reason

24-year-old American tennis star is all set to make his return to tennis after facing a ban due to missing dope tests and multiple surgeries.

American tennis star who faced a ban reveals he spent 40 hours a week with therapists due to this reason

Jenson Brooksby (Image via X)

Jenson Brooksby, the 24-year-old American tennis ace opened up for the first time about his experience with autism. He was banned for 18 months ban by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) in October 2023.

He did not fail a drug test but missed three tests within a 12-month period. But as there were miscommunitation with a doping control officer, the ITIA reduced the ban and he was eligible to return in March 2024.

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But he will make his return next year and is set to play also at the Australian Open. Ahead of his return, he explained how difficult it is for him to live with autism spectrum disorder.

It’s just something I don’t want to have to keep to myself. It’s obviously a personal topic that, even with people you may feel very comfortable with- in my mind, at least for a long time- it wasn’t [something] just to go blurting out as part of a conversation, you know? But I’ve always thought about it…I, eventually, just wanted to talk about it.

Jenson Brooksby told AP

Brooksby spent 40 hours a week with therapists when he was a kid and didn’t know how to talk until he was four. At first, he was on the very severe end of the spectrum but he kept making progress according to Michelle Wagner, a behavior analyst. Wagner also was part of the appeal as she had to explain how autism affects Brooksby’s decision-making.

Jenson Brooksby said bad things happened when he was on the sidelines

Jenson Brooksby is set to make his return to tennis in a Challenger Tour event in Canberra. He then planned to participate at the Australian Open where he performed his best when he reached the third round in 2023. In the third round, he upset three-time Grand Slam finalist and then World No.3 Casper Ruud.

Jenson Brooksby
Jenson Brooksby (Image via X)

Along with the suspension, Brooksby also had to deal with multiple injuries. He underwent a surgery on his left wrist in March and then on his right wrist in May. A shoulder pain also stopped him from returing to court after the ban.

Multiple bad things just happened at once. It was a lot to take, mentally.

Jenson Brooksby told AP

Apart from the Australian Open third round, Brooksby has reached the fourth round of 2021 US Open and scripted history by becoming the youngest American to reach the Round of 16 at Flushing Meadows by surpassing Andy Roddick‘s record. He also took a set off eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the last 16. Brooksby reached career-high ranking of No. 33 but hasn’t yet won an ATP title.