Karol Beck of Slovak protested his innocence on Tuesday, saying that he will appeal to the two-year ban imposed for failing a doping test.

The International Tennis Federation( ITF) handed down the suspension on Monday after Beck tested positive for the anabolic steroid clenbuterol at the Davis Cup semi-final with Argentina last September.

"I have never taken performance-enhancing drugs in my life and never will. I have no reason to do such a stupid thing," the 23-year-old told a press conference at Bratislava. "I am shocked by the decision of the ITF ...I will no doubt appeal." .

Beck added that he might have been the victim of a set-up as his drink could have been tainted by an unknown person before the Davis Cup match.

"I have the impression that someone wanted to hurt me intentionally," Beck said.

Beck has been ranked as high as 36 but has never won a title and appeared in just one ATP final in St Petersburg in 2004.

Source: Xinhua