"We are ready," declares Paul-Henri Mathieu on the eve of taking on the Croatian challenge in the Davis Cup

In Osijek, the pressure is mounting as France prepares to face Croatia in the Davis Cup. With Rinderknech and Moutet on the court this Friday, the French team hopes to get off to a strong start in this clash, aiming to enter the decisive Saturday in a favorable position.

This weekend, the French team is in Croatia attempting to secure their ticket to the Davis Cup Final 8, which will take place in Bologna in November. To do so, they must overcome a Croatian nation that France has not beaten in 21 years, on their home turf, on indoor clay.

In singles, Arthur Rinderknech and Corentin Moutet have been selected by captain Paul-Henri Mathieu. The latter justified his choices to field these two players against a country that will be represented in singles by the experienced Marin Cilic and Dino Prizmic in the coming hours.

"Considering the surface and the adaptation of each player, I chose this option (Rinderknech and Moutet for Friday's matches). But I can still make another choice for Saturday's singles.

The preparation has been good, even though we haven't had much time to adapt. We are ready," stated the former world No. 12 at his highest ranking to the media of the French Tennis Federation.

The first match of the encounter between Croatians and French will begin this Friday, September 12, at 4 p.m. with the matchup between Moutet and Prizmic. Shortly after, Rinderknech and Cilic will face off in the Osijek arena.