Paris - French tennis player Richard Gasquet was Monday suspended by the International Tennis Federation while it probes a positive test for cocaine at the Miami Masters last March.

The move came a day after the player admitted that he had tested positive.

"The test of the B sample submitted at the end of March 2009, during the Miami tournament where I did not participate, confirmed the positive result of the A sample taken on the same day," the Gasquet said in a statement.

The number 23 pulled out of Miami with a shoulder injury, did not play Rome and missed last week's Estoril tournament with a neck problem.

Gasquet said that he had undergone a more through hair strand test for the banned substance at his own expense and results had showed "no trace of cocaine".

"Taking into account the complexity of this dossier, I intend now to prove my innocence and will explain myself at an appropriate time," Gasquet said.

Gasquet faces a ban of up two two years.

The ITF expects an anti-doping panel to be assembled and work begun on the high-profile case within two months. (dpa)