Report: Richard Gasquet Tests Positive For Cocaine

L'Equipe, the French daily newspaper, is reporting that tennis player Richard Gasquet has tested positive for cocaine.

It is believed that traces of the drug were found in Gasquet's urine "A sample" at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Fla. after he pulled out of that tournament in March.

The urine sample is believed to have shown 1.46 micrograms of the banned substance—above the 0.5 sensitivity level applied to all laboratory testing.

Gasquet could face a maximum two-year ban if the "B sample" comes back positive. The report said neither Gasquet nor his management team have responded to the charges.

Cocaine is viewed as a performance enhancing drug, according to World Anti-Doping Agency rules. 

The 22 year old has struggled in recent times on the ATP tour, posting meagre results and suffering from various injuries. 

He reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007, winning a five-set thriller in the quarterfinals against Andy Roddick, only to be defeated Roger Federer, who went on to win the final. 

He reached a career high of No. 7 in the world rankings in 2007 but is now 23rd.

The newspaper did not cite a source; nor was the French Federation available for comment.  More to follow.

EDIT:

Gasquet has now confirmed that both his A and B urine samples from the Sony Ericsson Open contained traces of cocaine.  However a hair sample, tested at the same time and in the same laboratory as the urine samples, showed no amount of the banned substance.

The Frenchman has also broken his silence on the issue.

'Given the complexity of the case, I am gathering evidence of my innocence and will later set a date to make further comments.'

In other news, Svetlana Kuznetsova, the WTA world No.8, has also slammed WADA rules demanding information regarding the whereabouts of all players at all times.  

'I don't agree with this rule because it can interrupt your private life.  If I am in Moscow and I decide to go out to my friend's house why should I come back at eight in the morning to my house to be checked?  It's very tough, I think they should change'.