Frenchman Richard Gasquet says his “incredible and terrible” 2009 doping saga resembled a movie script, but now he’s ready to give it a happy ending.
Gasquet is embracing the fact he can start 2010 a free man with a clean slate, beginning at the Brisbane International, after being cleared of drug-taking a fortnight ago.
The 23-year-old escaped a 12-month ban after explaining minor traces of cocaine detected by a random test in March were due to kissing a woman in a Miami nightclub.
The ban was lifted in July but he was only fully able to clear his name when a Court of Arbitration for Sport found in his favour this month by dismissing an appeal.
“I’m glad it’s finished and now I’m really happy I can play here,” Gasquet said after a 90-minute practice in sultry Brisbane on Wednesday.
“The truth has happened, now it’s most important that it is finished.
“Something incredible happened this year, I would have wanted to have four grand slams in this story but now it has happened — it’s over and finished and that’s important for me because it went everywhere.”
Ranked No.7 at the end of 2007 and in the top 20 when he was a semi-finalist in Brisbane and Sydney this January, Gasquet’s ranking has dropped to 52nd in the world following his ban.
He played 17 matches after returning from his initial suspension but admitted he found it tough to deal with the pressure, particularly in France, even with the support of leading players such as Rafael Nadal and his compatriots.
“It’s been eight months since April so it’s been a long time,” he said.
“It wasn’t easy to practise but it’s OK now. I don’t care about it.
“My head is better now so it will be easier to play well.”
Gasquet, one of the most stylish players on the men’s circuit, was beaten by eventual champion Radek Stepanek in the final four last year and would love to replicate his run next week.
“I will try but step after step,” he said.
“I’m really happy to be there because I had a terrible story and now I just want to enjoy it. I think I can play good.”
The 2007 Wimbledon semi-finalist knows he will continue to be asked about his ban for his entire stay in Australia but is more than happy to confront the doubters.
“I can understand but now it’s over,” he said.
“It was difficult when I saw it in France when I first saw my name with the story, I thought it was a movie, but now it’s over. “That’s the most important thing and I can play.”