“It’s Urgent,” French Davis Cup Captain Paul-Henri Mathieu Pushes for Reforms

Paul-Henri Mathieu Slams Davis Cup Format Over Top Player Absences in Qualifiers

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Adrien Guyot

le 07/02/2026 à 09h27

1 min to read

Mathieu Paul-Henri

The Davis Cup is back for a new edition. In the first round of World Group qualifiers, France, quarterfinalist from the previous edition, faces Slovakia.

Arthur Rinderknech and Alexandre Muller have been selected by Paul-Henri Mathieu to take on Alex Molcan and Norbert Gombos in singles. However, in his press conference, the French team captain lamented the lack of enthusiasm from top players.

This week, only Jack Draper—returning to the tour for the first time since the US Open—is competing in his team's tie among top 20 players. A reality that does the competition no favors, according to Mathieu.

“Having ATP tournaments the same week, of course, hurts it”

The former world No. 12 hopes changes will come in the coming months to refocus attention on the Davis Cup, which he believes has lost prestige.

“When I saw the lineups for some teams, I felt sad for the competition because it undermines its credibility. It’s becoming urgent to do real work on this event and bring the ATP (which runs the men's tour) and ITF (Davis Cup organizer) closer together.

Having ATP tournaments the same week, of course, hurts it,” Mathieu told L'Équipe ahead of France's clash with Slovakia this weekend in Le Portel.