The Canadian-born Colombian confirmed the International Tennis Federation (ITF) told him he had tested positive for anabolic steroid Boldenone, which he claims was the result of eating Colombian meat.

"I will not be able to play at the Australian Open, an event for which I had been preparing since December," Farah wrote on Twitter.

“A few hours ago the ITF informed me of the presence of Boldenone in a test that I did on Oct. 17, 2019 in Cali.

"Two weeks before the test mentioned... I did an anti-doping test in Shanghai which had a negative result. 

"And I was also tested at least 15 other times randomly in the international circuit throughout the year with the same negative result.

"As stated by the Colombian Olympic Committee in 2018, this substance is found frequently in Colombian meat and may affect athletes' test results."

Farah is denying the accusation saying: "I am calm and confident in the results of this process since I have always acted correctly and honestly in my life. 

"I will work harder than ever to return to the courts in the shortest time possible."

Farah is ranked number one in the world, and is half of the Colombian partnership with Juan Sebastian Cabal that won two grand slam titles (Wimbledon, US Open) in 2019.

In another major blow to the sport, Chilean player Nicolas Jarry has also been provisionally suspended, under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.

The 24-year-old, who competed in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Cup as recently as last week, provided a urine sample on November 19 2019 in association with the Davis Cup Finals held in Madrid, Spain.

The World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited (WADA) laboratory in Montreal, Canada, analysed the sample, finding it to contain (Ligandrol) metabolite and Stanozolol metabolite - both on the WADA Prohibited List (Anabolic Agents).

Positive tests for Non-Specified Substances carry a mandatory Provisional Suspension.

On January 4, Jarry was charged with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and provisionally suspended with effect from January 14 2020.

Jarry claims not to have "intentionally" taken any banned substance during his career, saying, "It strongly looks like a cross-contamination case." 

He also said that he had taken "multi-vitamins made in Brazil" that his doctor recommended because they were "guaranteed to be free from banned substances".

Jarry said he and his legal team will be "working strongly" to prove his innocence and will fully cooperate with the ITF.

Currently ranked 78 in the world, Jarry's highest world ranking was 38 in July last year, after clinching his first ATP title in Bastad - his highest doubles ranking was 40 in March 2019.

He is also the grandson of Jaime Fillol, who won seven ATP titles.

The Tennis Anti-Doping Programme applies to all players competing at grand slam tournaments and events sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation, ATP, and Women's Tennis Association.