Brazil’s Cup hopes hit by Kuerten injury

Brisbane, July 11: Brazil’s tennis ace Gustavo Kuerten is troubled by a groin injury and is in doubt for Friday’s opening singles in the Davis Cup tennis semi-final against Australia here.

Two-time French Open champion Kuerten carries Brazil’s hopes of success. Without the World No 4 ranked player, Brazil would have little chance of beating the reigning champions on grass at ANZ Stadium to reach their first ever Davis Cup final. Australia is also facing problem by the late withdrawal of Mark Philippoussis.

Pioline out

PARIS: French number one Cedric Pioline will be missing from the Davis Cup squad to play Austria in the World Group playoff in Rennes from July 21-23, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) has announced.

Pioline, 31, who suffered a second round Wimbledon defeatto 237th-ranked Vladimir Voltchkov of Belarus, is taking a three week break because of fatigue.