BJK Cup - Beaten by Colombia, France relegated to lower division

France will not be playing in next year's Billie Jean King Cup world group after a play-off defeat to Colombia (3-2).

It's a major setback for French tennis. Facing Colombia to save their place in the world group of the BJK Cup, Les Bleues were caught in a trap.

The weekend had got off to a good start with Diane Parry's victory in her singles match yesterday, but the French No.1 was unable to take to the court in Bogotá today due to a knee injury.

The two teams were tied at 1-1 before the start of this decisive day. Varvara Gracheva, appointed to replace Parry, was unable to beat Colombian No.1 Camila Osorio (6-2, 7-5).

Behind her, Clara Burel had given France hope after a two-set victory over Emiliana Arango (7-5, 6-4).

For the decisive doubles, Julien Benneteau had decided to field Chloé Paquet and Clara Burel. It was a choice that didn't pay off, as both players were beaten in two sets (6-3, 6-4) by the Arango / Osorio pair.

For the first time in 21 years, Colombia will play in the BJK Cup world group.

The French team, meanwhile, had not been relegated from the world group since 2011. Next year, it will be one of the nations in Group 1.