“It’s definitely a personal topic that, even with people you might feel very comfortable with — in my mind, at least for a long time — it wasn’t (something) to be broached as part of a conversation, you know? ” said Brooksby, a Northern California native. “But I’ve always thought about it and … eventually, I just wanted to talk about it.”
Brooksby, who is serving a ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency for missing doping tests as well as several injuries that resulted in surgery, has not played since the 2022 Australian Open.
The American, who was banned for 18 months for missing three doping tests, had his sentence reduced by five months and returned to the date of the third missed test. He was eligible to play this March but was sidelined as he dealt with injuries and formed a new team.
He was considered to be one of the best American players at the time, with his unsettling, off-the-cuff game and his intensity on the court and nimble movement for his 6’4″ stature.
He will play a challenge in Canberra before heading to the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.
“I just want people to know me completely for who I am, and that’s just another part of me,” Brooksby said. “I’ve had a lot of time playing and I’ve thought a lot about what I need to do.”
