Jenson Brooksby has had an 18-month ban scrapped and could return NEXT MONTH

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

Last October, the American – former number 33 in the world – was given an eighteen-month ban by an independent tribunal after missing three drug tests within a year.

But that decreased by five months after new information emerged about the circumstances that led to those missed tests.

This was part of the player's Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal process and was not presented at the initial hearing.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency, in consultation with the World Anti-Doping Agency, has determined that his suspension should now be amended.

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

The change also means that an expensive trip to Switzerland for a CAS appeal is now no longer possible.

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

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

It said: 'It gives me immense joy and relief to be able to do what I love again.

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“The past thirteen months have been exhausting and a nightmare that I wouldn't wish on anyone.

“To my family, my team and all my extended family and friends: thank you for holding my head up during these difficult times.

“I would like to thank my sponsors for all their continued support. It means a lot to me.

“Finally, to all my loyal fans, thank you for your kind words and continued support. Let's go!!”