Former world No.4 Sebastian Grosjean has become the new head of the French Davis Cup with an additional responsibility of overseeing his country’s Olympic program.
Grosjean, who is a four-time grand slam semifinalist, has been awarded the position following the resignation of Amelie Mauresmo. Mauresmo, who was set to become the first female to head the men’s team, stepped down after being appointed as the new coach of Lucas Pouille. Pouille is currently ranked 32nd in the world.
“It’s a great pride to be named captain of the France Davis Cup team because I’ve always been very attached to this event, and this post, which now has an Olympic dimension. It promises to be exciting.” Grosjean said in a statement.
“I would like to thank Pierre Cherret and the Executive Committee of the FFT (French tennis federation) for the trust they place in me, and I am going to work now to take up this magnificent challenge.”
40-year-old Grosjean represented France in 17 Davis Cup ties between 1999-2007 and won 16 out of 26 matches played. He played in the final of the competition on three occasions in 1999, 2001 and 2002. On the ATP Tour, he won four titles with his biggest triumph occurring at the 2001 Paris Masters.
Besides his Davis Cup duties, Grosjean will also oversee the French team for the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games. At present, France has nine men ranked in the top 100 on the ATP Tour, but none are currently inside the top 20. Players are only eligible for Olympic competition if they feature in a set amount of Davis Cup ties unless they are granted a special exception.
“The French team is stronger than anything, Sébastien’s enthusiasm is proof of this and I am happy to see a former winner moving towards the new event.” Said FFT president Bernard Giudicelli.
“His knowledge of professional tennis, in all its forms, will be a valuable asset for our federation and the players who will engage with him.”
France finished runner-up to Croatia in this year’s team event. The final was the last to held before the format of the competition is changed. From 2019, 18 teams will feature in a week-long final. A move that has triggered anger among French players and their former captain, Yannick Noah.
As a result of finishing runner-up this year, France has automatically qualified for next year’s finals at the Caja Magica in Madrid. Meaning that they will not need to play a play-off tie in February.
The 2019 Davis Cup final will take place between November 18-24.
