Gasquet confirms positive test for cocaine

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - French tennis player Richard Gasquet tested positive for cocaine at a tournament in Miami last month, the world number 23 said Sunday.

"The B sample test from March 2009, during the Miami tournament, in which I did not take part, confirms the positive results from the A sample," he said in a statement read out on French radio RTL.

Gasquet said he had a hair sample tested by an independent lab "which showed no trace of cocaine."

"Given the complexity of the case, I am gathering the evidence of my innocence and will later set a date to make further comments," the 22-year-old added.

Gasquet had pulled out of the Sony Ericsson Open without playing a match, citing a shoulder injury.

If Gasquet fails to clear his name, he could face a two-year suspension from the sport.

"My first reaction is one of sadness. I know the kid's character well and I am very surprised," French tennis federation (FFT) president Jean Gachassin told French radio RMC.

"I want to talk to Richard myself to know exactly what happened.