Gasquet tests positive for cocaine, faces two-year ban
By IANSMonday, May 11, 2009
PARIS - French tennis player Richard Gasquet admitted he tested positive for cocaine in a drug test held in a tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, in March.
Gasquet, World No. 23, confirmed Saturday’s report in French sports daily L’Equipe, which said his urine samples taken at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne both tested positive.
French media reports said the 22-year-old player is unlikely to appeal what could either be a two-year or a three-month suspension.
Gasquet, however, in a statement Sunday stated that he will prove his innocence and will address the situation soon.
Gasquet, a semi-finalist at the 2007 Wimbledon, pulled out of the Key Biscayne tournament after the first round, complaining of shoulder injury.
A player with a great potential, Gasquet is part of an exciting young brigade of tennis stars along with Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and had reached as high as number seven on the Association of Tennis Professional (ATP) rankings.
Gasquet is the latest top tennis player to get involved in the use of drugs. In 2008, former World No. 1 Martina Hingis was banned for two years in 2008 after using the same substance.
The five-time Grand Slam winner tested positive for cocaine during a random sample test at Wimbledon.
