[TennisHack]

from Eurosport:

Mathieu to play in Davis Cup final
French prospect Paul-Henri Mathieu, winner of two tournaments in the late season, was included in France's team for the Davis Cup final against Russia in Paris from November 29 to December.

Mathieu, who won the Kremlin Cup and the Lyon Open in October, joins Davis Cup regulars Sebastien Grosjean, Arnaud Clement, Fabrice Santoro and Nicolas Escude in the team announced by captain Guy Forget on Thursday.

Mathieu was doubtful for the final at Bercy sports hall because of a groin injury.

"Guy Forget received the go-ahead from French team doctor (Bernard) Montalvan to call Paul-Henri Mathieu," the French tennis federation said in a statement.

Mickael Llodra, who had been paired with Fabrice Santoro for doubles since the start of France's Davis Cup defence, was dropped as was veteran Cedric Pioline, who retired earlier this month.

 

[Chloe le Bopper]

Wow, good for him

 

[TheBoiledEgg]

oh oh

I hoped Clement or Escude would have played singles
we should play Misha now

 

[Tryphon]

It doesn't necessarily mean yet that Mathieu will play. 4 will have to be chosen from this team of 5.

Escudé in singles? Come on, I don't say he can't do it, but that would be a big poker decision considering we have Grosjean, Mathieu, Clément, who all can play on clay, not even mentioning the slight possibility of Santoro playing Marat.

Nicolas will probably play doubles with Fab.

 

[Scotso]

Mathieu is better than the others on clay, they should play him

 

[Ma. Estefania]

I don't care......I just hope Russia wins the Davis Cup at last.

 

[Lindsayfan]

Nicolas has no chances to play single on clay,he'll play just double with Fab.training stage will say who's in better form between Paulo and Arnaud,cos Seb is very likely to play.

ALLEZ LA FRANCE!!!

 

[Dissident]

I also think Seb is a no-brainer. And if Paul-Henri is fit, on clay I guess he has an edge over Arnaud. The key can be the experience, though, and that may play against him a little bit.
I would still play Mathieu, anyway.
It seems like they made a good choice.

 

[Ace Tracker]

Guy might be afraid of "burning" Paul-Henri's DC career with an early defeat by one of the Russians...Paul is very talented but Arnaud is more experienced...one bad loss might derail a player's Davis Cup history, just ask JMGambill...

 

[Dissident]

Well, imo, Mathieu and Gambill cannot be compared in ANY way.
But maybe thats just me...

I dont know, as I said, I agree the experience problem might play a big role, but I guess they should try out Mathieu. The kid has guts, as he showed in that Lyon final against Guga.

We will have to wait and see though.