Two-time grand slam champion Simona Halep has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for a banned substance.

The revelation was made by the International Tennis Integrity Agency who said the former world number one tested positive for the blood-boosting drug roxa-dus-tat at the US open where she  suffered a shock first-round loss to Daria Snigur of Ukraine. 

Halep, now ranked 9th in the world, said in a statement released on twitter, the positive result came as the “biggest shock of her life”.

She went on to add the idea of cheating had never crossed her mind and she felt confused and betrayed.

The 31 year old also stated she will fight until the end to prove she did not knowingly  take any prohibited substances.

The suspension means Halep cannot compete in or attend any sanctioned events organized by the governing bodies of tennis.