French Davis Cup Captain Questions the Capabilities of American Replacement Harrison

Guy Forget, the captain of the French Davis Cup team, feels that the United States will be weakened by the loss of Mardy Fish in their quarterfinal match which commences on Friday. Both teams saw withdrawals by key players this past week, as Fish pulled out due to fatigue and was replaced by Ryan Harrison, and on the French side, Gael Monfils was forced to withdraw from the event due to an abdominal injury and will be replaced by Gilles Simon.

“I think these last-minute withdrawals are more harmful for them than for us,” Forget said. “The American captain doesn’t have a choice in singles. He can’t choose one of the Bryan Brothers. So Harrison will play on Friday."

American Coach Jim Courier has not spoken out about why he chose to put in a player who never has competed in a live Davis Cup tie.

“A lot factors in the choice,” said Courier. “Ryan [Harrison] was the best man for the job. That’s why he’s here.”

Harrison will face France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, currently ranked sixth in the world.

"Obviously, Jo is a great player … I’m just excited for the opportunity," said Harrison.

Forget was able to choose between Gilles Simon or Richard Gasquet to replace Monfils, although in the end it did not take long.

“I spoke to them both on the phone, and after 45 sec. of speaking to each one, my choice was made,” said Forget. “Richard told me he was suffering with his elbow. He felt like he couldn’t serve properly in a five-set match on clay.”

This will be the 16th match between the nations which dates back to 1905. The U.S. leads 8-7 overall and won the last 4-1 at home in the 2008 quarters.

“France is a very deep team … there are going to be five tough matches for us,” Courier said. “We have to play our best to stand a chance. We did that with Switzerland. We’ll be well-prepared.”

The U.S. leads with 32 Davis Cup titles, whereas France has just nine. Harrison will be the lowest-ranked player to play in a live singles match for the Americans since Fish in 2008. Harrison lost in the French Open first round last year and it is to note that Isner also has never made it past the third round at Roland Garros.

The winner of France-U.S. plays Spain or Austria in the semifinals in September.