PARIS: French tennis star Richard Gasquet, who tested positive for cocaine during the Miami Masters in March, was provisionally suspended on Monday, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) told AFP.

"His provisional suspension begins today," said Dr Stuart Miller, the head of the ITF's anti-doping commission.

The player, who intends to prove his innocence, will now appear before an ITF anti-doping tribunal composed of three independent experts. The date and place of the tribunal have yet to be decided.

The 23-year-old former French number one faces a two-year suspension if found guilty of wrongdoing. He eventually did not play in Miami due to a shoulder injury.