Gasquet suspended by ITF

Last week, news leaked from French newspaper, L'Equipe, that Richard Gasquet tested positive for cocaine 1 month ago. After confirming the reports yesterday, Gasquet was suspended today by the International Tennis Federation and has his name withdrawn from the French Open. The Frenchman is trying to gather evidence in his defense, through hair samples which show no trace of cocaine, even though 2 previous urine samples did show the drug. The ITF is planning to have a hearing on the matter within the next 60 days. If the 22 year old is found guilty, a 2 year suspension is a major posibility. “He’s suspended until the end of the hearing,” Neil Robinson, spokesperson for the ITF said. “We’re now assembling an anti-doping tribunal. The ideal time frame is within 60 days, but people have to fly in from all over the world for it.” Marat Safin, one of the game's most outspoken, is defending Gasquet. “Everyone makes mistakes,” Safin said at the Madrid Open. “I feel sorry for Gasquet. When you’re at a party, at a huge table full of people having fun, it’s absurd to have to watch what glass you’re drinking from. Testing for doping is also becoming very intrusive. It gets to the point where you almost feel you should be calling the ATP to tell them where you are after you leave a party.”