French tennis star Richard Gasquet confirms positive test for cocaine, professes innocence

Gasquet confirms positive test for cocaine

PARIS — French tennis player Richard Gasquet confirmed that he tested positive for cocaine at the Sony Ericsson Open in March, but maintained his innocence.

Gasquet said in a statement Sunday that the “B” sample from the tournament in Key Biscayne, Fla., confirmed the result of the “A” sample taken the same day.

“Given the complexity of this dossier, I am gathering together proof of my innocence and I will choose an appropriate moment to express myself,” Gasquet said.

The Web site of sports daily L’Equipe had reported Saturday that traces of the banned drug were found in the 22-year-old Gasquet’s urine sample at the Sony Ericsson Open. He withdrew after the first round, citing a shoulder injury.

The French tennis federation called the report “very surprising” and said Sunday it would wait for official confirmation before taking any action. He could face a two-year ban.

The FFT said in a statement that it “would be very sad for Richard Gasquet himself, for tennis in general, for French tennis in particular, whose image would be dented” if the positive test was officially confirmed.

The federation said it won’t act until notified to do so by the governing body of tennis and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Gasquet, who reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2007, is ranked 23rd.