After the time for applications (14) and interviews, it was time to decide this Friday for the French Federation. And the institution chose Paul-Henri Mathieu to lead the Blues in the Davis Cup. The former 12th in the world thus succeeds Sébastien Grosjean, who had given up his position by becoming coach of Arthur Fils. “PHM” will also be responsible for the men’s delegation to the Olympic Games in Paris.
“I am very happy and honored to become the new captain of the France team. I am convinced that by combining the experience of certain players with this promising new generation that is arriving, we have all the assets in hand to achieve great things. My ambition will be to create a strong group spirit, share this confidence and support them towards success,” declared the former world number 12 (in 2008) in the FFT press release announcing his appointment.
The choice of continuity
Gilles Moretton had launched quite a project by soliciting around fifteen veterans following Grosjean’s departure on October 23. If some had not really followed through (Yannick Noah, Amélie Mauresmo for example), others had entered the process to have an interview (Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, Julien Benneteau or even Marion Bartoli). After several weeks of turmoil, the FFT finally settled on the choice of continuity.
Paul-Henri Mathieu, high-level director for more than two years, already rubbed shoulders with the players on the circuit as during the Davis Cup matches, where he was part of the management of the France group. Rather discreet, the 41-year-old former pro will now take on a little more light in a more exposed position and where he will have to forget his recent rather disappointing campaigns. The Blues will therefore be absent during the “Final 8” in Malaga next week.
