French Davis Cup captain Arnaud Clement believes Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will play in his nation’s first-round Davis Cup tie against visiting Australia next January, even though Tsonga has hinted that he many not play, as the tie begins just five days after the Australian Open ends.
"I have no doubt on the participation of Jo,” Clement told L’Equipe. “I was speaking recently with him. Jo is respectful of the Davis Cup.”
Clement said he has yet to select the surface for the tie. Indoor clay has been raised as a possibility, but the French players may not want to switch surfaces right after the Australian summer hard-court season concludes. Clement said the tie will be played indoors.