Gasquet admits to failed drugs test

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Gasquet, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2007 and has a career-best ranking of number seven, admitted on Sunday to returning a positive sample at the Miami Masters two months ago. But he remains confident of avoiding a lengthy ban from the ATP Tour.

In a statement, the current world number 23, said: "The test of the B sample submitted at the end of March 2009, confirmed the positive result of the A sample taken on the same day. I want to prove my innocence and will explain myself at an appropriate time."

Earlier on Sunday, the French Tennis Federation admitted their surprise at reports of Gasquet's misdemeanour.

"The FFT has learnt of the positive test of Richard Gasquet at the Miami tournament, although no official notification has been made," said an FFT statement.

"This piece of information is very surprising with regards to the character of Richard Gasquet and, if confirmed according to official proceedings, would be a very sad one for Richard Gasquet, for tennis in general and for French tennis in particular, whose image would be tarnished.

"At this stage, the FFT does not wish to make further comments because it is down to the anti-doping authorities, within the International Tennis Federation (ITF), to assess such a case and it is not for the FFT to intervene.

"The FFT will follow with great attention the developments of this case, avoiding making hasty judgements and anxious to leave the player to organise his defence for the international tennis bodies.

"If the facts are correct, however, this would be particularly unfortunate in light of all the efforts of the FFT in terms of deterring athletes (from using banned substances)."