Davis Cup Action For Tsonga Is Uncertain

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 24th September 2013

Davis Cup Action For Tsonga Is Uncertain

epa03761192 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France retires due to a knee injury during his second round match against Ernests Gulbis of Latvia for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 26 June 2013. EPA/TOM HEVEZI |

Concerns are already running high in France that Jo-Wilfried Tsonga might follow the trend of several other leading singles player and make himself unavailable for next February’s Davis Cup World Group opener against Australia.

The 28 year-old, who was forced to miss the US Open after injuring his knee at Wimbledon, reached the final in his first tournament since returning to action at last week’s Moselle Open in Metz. But eighth ranked Tsonga admitted to several journalists it is not a given that he will be in the French line-up for the beginning of captain Arnaud Clément’s second year in charge.

Clement would still be able to call on Gilles Simon, who beat Tsonga in the Metz final, and US Open semi-finalist Richard Gasquet. But the leading player’s presence and infectious personality would be crucial to the French who lost out to Argentina in this year’s second round despite two singles wins from Tsonga.

Although he has heard the rumours, Clement is adamant Tsonga will be available for selection at the tie. No venue has yet been announced but the captain said: For Jo, I have no doubt. Every discussion I had with him throughout the year about the Davis Cup, the same thing has always emerged: his involvement, his will to win this event. The first round is not for five months and I have no doubt about the commitment of Jo for next season, from the first round onward.

“Jo is very respectful of the Davis Cup, very respectful of the players. We have seen his commitment in recent years. If he can help, he will be there. He is aware of the quality of the opponent in the face and he knows it will not be easy.”

Clement believes the magnitude of the tie and the fact the two nations twice met in the Davis Cup final in recent history will have a bearing on Tsonga’s decision. “If France had been drawn against a smaller nation in the first round, there would have been discussions,” said the captain. “But we are playing Australia who are a historic team in the competition. On paper, we look at the players’ rankings and can say we are favourites.

“But we know that Davis Cup players and the commitment of a nation is something very important and Australians have this quality. It will be very hard, we know.”

Clement also believes Gasquet turned a major corner at the US Open, particularly with his quarterfinal win in five sets over fourth seeded David Ferrer. “I’m sure this will make Richard even harder to play against because he has more confidence in him and he will be even stronger,” said the captain.”

Topics: Atp, Davis Cup, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Sports, Tennis, US Open, Wimbledon