The United States suffered a big blow yesterday as the top-ranked singles player Mardy Fish withdrew from their Davis Cup team to play France this week and was replaced by teenager Ryan Harrison.
The United States Tennis Association did not reveal the reason for 30-year-old Fish’s withdrawal from the World Group quarter-final clash.
“I am very disappointed not to be able to join up with the team,” said Fish.
“I suffered a minor medical alert and I have stayed in Florida owing to doctors advice, to rest for a few days.”
Harrison, 19 and ranked 66 in the world in comparison to ninth-ranked Fish, has yet to win an ATP title but was part of the US team that beat Switzerland in their first round match.
The tie begins on Friday in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, and runs until Sunday.