Italian number 1 Andreas Seppi has been left out of the singles draw in Italy’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Russia.
The world number 25 will be replaced in the draw by Simone Bolelli, a player ranked 38 places below Seppi. According to Italian sports website Today Sport, Seppi has been rested from the singles draw due to bursitis in his left foot. Bursitis is an inflammation and swelling of a bursa, which forms under the skin, usually over the joints, and acts as a cushion between the tendons and bones. The issued was confirmed by Davis Cup captain Corrado Barazzutti.
“Andreas has a little bursitis in his left foot – explains Barazzutti – so I preferred to rest him for one hundred percent for the third day that could be decisive. Bolelli still has trained very well during the week and is fit, is playing good tennis”. He said.
Despite the problem, Seppi has been confirmed for Saturday’s doubles tie where he will play with Paolo Lorenzi. The other singles players for the team is Fabio Fognini who will play in both single matches.
Headlining the Russian campaign on the first day will be Teymuraz Gabashvili and Andrey Rublev. During Russia’s tie against Spain in July, Rublev won the deciding match in the tie to give Russia the 3-2 victory.
The group one play-off tie will take place at the Sports Palace Baikal-Arena in Irkutsk, Russia. After reaching the semi-finals last year, Italy will be battling to keep their place in the top group.
Order of play
Friday
R1: Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS) v Simone Bolelli (ITA)
R2: Andrey Rublev (RUS) v Fabio Fognini (ITA)
Saturday
R3: Evgeny Donskoy/Konstantin Kravchuk (RUS) v Paolo Lorenzi/Andreas Seppi (ITA)
Sunday
R4: Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS) v Fabio Fognini (ITA)
R5: Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) v Simone Bolelli (ITA)
