Last Sunday the French Tennis Federation (FFT) confirmed that world number 23 Richard Gasquet was positively tested on cocaine. “If it is a true, it would be sad news for Richard, for tennis in general and for the French tennis of course,” was their comment. Gasquet has so far until July 12th been banned from the circuit. That already means that he will miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Gasquet, whose residence is in Switzerland, didn’t play that well the last few months and was frequently injured. He last had to abandon in Miami where he then attended a party of French DJ Bob Sinclair and was positively tested on cocaine.
Meanwhile Richard asked for an other independent test to proof that he is not consuming cocaine regularly. “I am collecting evidence for my innocence and I will express myself at the given opportunity.”
Concerning his penalty, what will be relevant is, if it will be judged as during competition or not during the competition. If it is not during the competition he won’t face a penalty. But since he was playing Florida and only forfeited only right before his first game things don’t look that well. Then he might face a two year penalty.
Let’s wait for more evidence…
Richard Gasquet has been known to be a bit of a party animal and is always seen out having a good time, but today the French tennis player has tested positive for a prohibited substance during a check carried out at the Miami Masters in late March.
Currently, it is only his sample A that has been confirmed and they are waiting on the results of sample B. The substance is classed as a recreational drug and has since been confirmed that it is Cocaine.
The Biterrois, 23rd global player, had to enter the tournament in the 2nd round against Spaniard Albert Montanes before forfeit a few hours before the game because of pain in the right shoulder. ” Absent this week’s Estoril tournament, the player of Team Lagardère withdrew today from the Madrid Masters in 1000, which was used as a launching pad for the tournament at Roland Garros.
Tennis has seen other cases of doping with cocaine: Mats Wilander (3 months) and Karel Novacek in 1995 (3 months), Martina Hingis in 2007 (2 years).
Slovakian glamour girl, Daniela Hantuchova, is the latest to confirm her attendance at the Brisbane International in January.
The world number 19 was a semifinalist at the Australian Open in 2008 and broke into the top 10 when she reached number 5 in August 2002.
She will be joined by French Open Champion Ana Ivanovic and reigning Australian Women’s Hardcourt Champion Na Li in the women’s draw.
The men’s draw boasts Novak Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Marcos Baghdatis, Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet and Mardy Fish with the player cut off date, for the tournament ,on the 21 November.
Daniela Hantuchova said “I am really excited about returning to Australia and playing a strong field in the lead up to the Grand Slam.
“I took home some really nice memories last year. It was something very special for me.
“With my preparation this year and the quality field at the Brisbane International, I will be even more ready.
“I love Australia and have played in tournaments there since 2001. I am looking forward to playing in this new event and challenging some high quality players in the lead up to the Australian Open.”
Last Sunday the French Tennis Federation (FFT) confirmed that world number 23 Richard Gasquet was positively tested on cocaine. “If it is a true, it would be sad news for Richard, for tennis in general and for the French tennis of course,” was their comment. Gasquet has so far until July 12th been banned from the circuit. That already means that he will miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
