Andre Agassi's ex-coach Brad Gilbert reacts to Jenson Brooksby being handed 18-month suspension for missed drug tests after prolonged injury struggle

Andre Agassi's former coach Brad Gilbert has shared his thoughts on Jenson Brooksby being handed an 18-month suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for three missed drug tests.

Brooksby last competed on the tour at the 2023 Australian Open. He continued his campaign with a win over Christopher O'Connell, followed by a stunning upset against then-World No. 3 Casper Ruud. The American exited the Major after suffering a straight sets defeat to compatriot Tommy Paul in the third round.

Subsequently, in March, Brooksby underwent arthoscopic surgery on his left wrist to repair a dislocated tendon. He underwent the same procedure on his right wrist in May.

On Tuesday, October 24, the American was issued an 18-month competitive ban by the ITIA for missing three drug tests over a 12-month period, as determined by an independent tribunal. Brooksby had previously accepted a provisional suspension for these three 'whereabouts failures' earlier this year, resulting in his ban being backdated to July 5 2023. His suspension will end on January 5, 2025.

As the news circulated on social media, Brad Gilbert expressed his surprise, pointing out that Jenson Brooksby had been injured for almost the entire 2023 season.

"Wow after being injured 🤕 basically whole year," he commented.

Jenson Brooksby announces his intention to appeal his 18-month ban for missed drug tests

Jenson Brooksby

In a lengthy statement on social media, Jenson Brooksby accepted responsibilty for two of the three missed tests, but maintained that he was not at fault for his second missed test, on June 4, 2022.

"I have never taken a banned substance in my life, and I was open and honest with the ITIA throughout my case. I understand that it is my responsibility and will learn and grow. I accepted that 2 of my missed tests were my fault, but I continue to maintain that my June 4, 2022 missed test should be set aside," he posted on Instragram.

The American shared his account of the second missed test, suggesting that he fell victim to a miscommunication between the hotel staff and the ITIA official. He also announced his intention to appeal the ban.

"I intend to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. I have been fighting injures for almost a year. My return to the sport that I love will unfortunately be delayed a little bit longer. But I will be back, and I hope it will be soon," Jenson Brooksby wrote.

Brooksby has 21 days to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in connection with the decision.