Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PARIS (AP) — Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet will miss France's Davis Cup quarterfinal series against Britain next month.
France captain Yannick Noah said Tuesday that Tsonga is lacking competition and not ready to play following the birth of his first child. Gasquet is still recovering after appendix surgery.
"Jo is out and Richard is just gradually resuming training. He won't be competitive before about 15 days," Noah said on a conference call.
Gael Monfils could also miss the clay-court series scheduled for Rouen from April 7 because of problems to his knee, Achilles tendon and toe. Monfils has been included in the team as a replacement alongside Nicolas Mahut, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Gilles Simon and Lucas Pouille.
"According to Gael's doctor and to his physiotherapist, he could start working again by the end of the week," Noah said.
Noah had left Monfils out of his squad to face Japan in the first round after he blamed him for a perceived lack of investment. Noah said he has spoken with Monfils since their public spat, and that the 11th-ranked player gave him guarantees about his commitment to the France team.
"Gael says he has the desire to play, and I told him I believe him," Noah said. "He is a good Davis Cup player, I want him in the best psychological and physical shape."
Britain captain Leon Davis said earlier Tuesday that top-ranked Andy Murray will also be missing because of an elbow injury.
It will be the first time that France and Britain face off on clay since the British team won 3-2 in the Europe semifinals in 1978 at Roland Garros.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
