Canada’s Davis Cup aspirations has been dealt a double blow after their top singles and doubles players withdrew from their upcoming tie against France.
Doubts about Milos Raonic’s attendance in the tie started on Sunday when French media sources revealed that he was still being troubled by injury. The world No.13 hasn’t played a match since the semifinals of the Australian Open after suffering an abdominal tear. French website France Info reported that the Canadian was also struggling with a groin injury, however, Raonic has confirmed in a statement that it is the abdominal tear that is troubling him.
“I am deeply saddened to not be able to join my team for the Davis Cup tie in Guadeloupe,” said Raonic.
“Davis Cup has always been and will continue to be a priority in my schedule. My body at this moment does not allow me to compete as the muscular tear I sustained in Australia has not completely healed. It is not easy for me, as I love representing Canada and competing alongside a great team of players and staff. I will continue to rehab and try to be back on tour as soon as possible. I wish the Davis Cup team a great and prosperous weekend. I will be watching and cheering them on.”
It reported that Raonic will be out of action for 10-12 days as he tries to recover in time for the first Masters tournament of the year, Indian Wells. The biggest problem the injury is causing Raonic, is his ability to freely move side to side.
Joining Raonic on the withdrawal list is world No.12 doubles player Daniel Nestor. It is only the second time in 15 years that 12-time Grand Slam doubles champion has missed a Davis Cup tie. The 43-year-old is missing the tie due to an ‘undisclosed family matter’.
“The last few years we’ve come a long way and we’ve had some good opportunities to do well at Davis Cup and it’s definitely frustrating that we haven’t been able to field our top team and maximize our potential due to some of the injuries and unforeseen circumstances that have arisen.” Nestor said in a statement published by Tennis Canada.
The replacements for both players will be made at a later date. The confirmed Canadian team includes Vasek Pospisil and Frank Dancevic. Philip Bester (No.160) and Adil Shamasdin (doubles No.77) are also with the team in Guadeloupe.
Canada faces a tall order to progress beyond the first round against a world class French team. Team France consists of four top-20 singles players (Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon). The upcoming clash will be hosted at the Vélodrome Amédée Detraux on clay.
