French Tennis Federation suspend trio over Rio 'behaviour'
Sunday 28 August 2016 13:20, UK
Three members of France's nine-strong tennis squad at the Rio Olympics have been provisionally suspended by the country's Federation.
The alleged behaviour of Kristina Mladenovic, Caroline Garcia and Benoit Paire has angered the French Tennis Federation, who claim the trio have damaged the country and sport's image.
Paire, who was seeded 16th for the singles in Brazil, was sent home after being kicked off the team.
The 27-year-old, ranked 34 in the world, broke team rules, according to a statement by the federation.
He reportedly sometimes stayed away from the Olympic Village, and often came back late. He also made dismissive comments about the importance of the Games because there were no ranking points at stake.
As for Mladenovic and Garcia, they criticised the federation following their defeat in the first round of the women's doubles, over a clothing mix-up.
The FFF said all three showed an "unacceptable attitude," adding that they are provisionally suspended from selection until a final decision is made on September 24.
Mladenovic and Garcia are key players in France's Fed Cup team that will contest the final against the Czech Republic in November. The pair won this year's women's doubles event at Roland Garros.
As for Paire, he will be unavailable for France's Davis Cup semi-final in Croatia as the match is being played in mid-September - one week before the hearing.
