Mathieu named France''s Davis Cup captain; to lead men''s side at Paris Olympics

Paul-Henri Mathieu was named Frances Davis Cup captain on Friday and hell also lead the mens national tennis team at next years Olympics in Paris.The Frenchman replaces countryman Sbastien Grosjean, who was in charge for four years, but left his position in order to coach 19-year-old French player Arthur Fils.Im proud and honoured to have this position, Mathieu said in a video news conference.The situation arose because Sebastien left to train Arthur.

Paul-Henri Mathieu was named France's Davis Cup captain on Friday and he'll also lead the men's national tennis team at next year's Olympics in Paris.

The Frenchman replaces countryman Sébastien Grosjean, who was in charge for four years, but left his position in order to coach 19-year-old French player Arthur Fils.

"I'm proud and honoured to have this position," Mathieu said in a video news conference.

''The situation arose because Sebastien left to train Arthur. I have a lot of responsibility for the Davis Cup, but also for the Olympics. I hope we will get a medal, I am very ambitious for this team.'' The Paris Games will run from July 26-August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28-September 8.

The 41-year-old Mathieu reached a career-high ranking of 12th in 2008 and won four singles titles on the ATP tour. He reached the fourth round at every major tournament except the US Open.

"My experience as a former player helps me a lot," he said. "I'm in permanent contact with the players, especially the younger ones. I feel totally capable of driving this team as far as possible.'' Mathieu was one of the most talented players of his generation, but could not fulfil his potential. He was a losing finalist in the 2002 Davis Cup final against Russia, agonizingly losing the deciding rubber to Mikhail Youzhny after leading by two sets at the Bercy indoor arena in Paris.

"The Davis Cup has always meant a lot to me," Mathieu said. ''I want to put the best players on the court for the Davis Cup. It's a bit different for the Olympics because they have to sign up, so it's not so much a selection."

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