The top-ranked doubles player in the world, Robert Farah, tested positive for banned substance boldenone and will not participate in the upcoming Australian Open.

He issued a statement from Los Angeles to explain the case and defend his innocence. The Colombian referred to this situation as “the saddest moment of his career, without a doubt.”

The steroid boldenone was present in an out of competition drug test carried out by the International Tennis Federation in Cali (Colombia) on October 17. Farah is adamant he did not willingly commit any doping infraction.

“I tested negative in Shanghai on October 7 in addition to at least 15 other random tests I took throughout the season. As the Colombian Olympic Committee stated in 2018, this substance is frequently found in Colombian meat and may alter the results of drug tests. I’m sure this is what happened.”

Partnering with countryman Juan Sebastián Cabal, Farah conquered both Wimbledon and the US Open crowns in 2019. But a few months after reaching the pinnacle, his presence in ITF-sanctioned events such as the Grand Slams and the Olympics is in jeopardy.

The former University of Southern California star said he and his team are working with outside counselors to figure out the best way to proceed moving forward.

“We are going to prove I’ve never used any product that fails to comply with tennis’ fair play and ethics,” he said. “I am totally calm and confident in this process because I’ve always acted with righteousness and honesty in my life.”

Farah was not the only professional player to receive a drug-related blow on Tuesday, as it was made public that Nicolás Jarry tested positive at the Davis Cup Finals.

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