Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci has been banned for five months for doping, but was not guilty of any “significant fault or negligence” according to the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

The 29-year-old world number 112, who reached a career-high ranking of 21 in 2010, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide.

However the ITF accepted his result was due to faulty vitamin supplements.

“I never took anything that would favour me or break the rules,” he said.

His backdated ban means he will be free to return to tennis on 1 February.

Bellucci’s suspension means he will miss the Australian Open. He would have had to advance through qualifying to make the main draw of the season-opening Grand Slam event.