Guillermo Coria of Argentina was suspended for seven months and fined $98,565 by the ATP yesterday after testing positive for the banned substance Nandrolone.
The 19-year-old tested positive for the steroid at the Open Seat Godo tournament in Barcelona on April 25 when he was ranked 30th on the ATP entry system. He is currently number 44.
"This decision is a very clear warning to tennis players and all world-class athletes about the risks of consuming dietary supplements," ATP CEO Mark Miles said in a statement.
According to the ATP, Coria's positive test came after he took a nutritional supplement.
"I am devastated by this penalty, which I consider too harsh in light of the fact I proved to the tribunal that I did everything possible to abide by our anti-doping rules," said Coria who also had some ranking points deducted.
"I have not and would never take banned substances to enhance performance."
Coria has not played on the ATP Tour since a first-round defeat by Hicham Arazi of Morocco in Cincinnati in August. He will not be permitted to compete again until March 13, 2002.
Coria, who won his first career ATP title in February by beating fellow countryman Gaston Gaudio to win the Vina del Mar clay title in Chile, earned $368,759 in 2001.
The week after his positive test he reached the final in Mallorca before losing to Spain's Alberto Martin.
Miles said: "Even though the evidence in this case showed that the supplements consumed by Mr Coria were contaminated during manufacturing and did not list the banned substance on the label, he still must pay a significant price through suspension and forfeiture of points and prize money."