Potential French secret weapon Cedric Pioline has been left out of the lineup for next weekend's Davis Cup final against Australia by coach Guy Forget.
The French skipper announced a young lineup, headed by Masters Cup finalist and world number 6 Sebastien Grosjean. The 23-year-old Marseille-born baseliner will be backed up by compatriots Arnaud Clement, Nicolas Escude and Fabrice Santoro.
The over-30 Pioline, a two-time grand slam finalist, didn't make the cut despite his ability to play both singles and doubles at the Davis Cup level. France are looking for a ninth Davis Cup title and second since beating Australia in nice for the trophy in 1999. That tie was played indoors while the Melbourne date from Friday will be held on indoor grass at Melbourne Park.
Australia have been good to Grosjean and Clement recently. In addition to figuring in last weekend's Masters Cup final against Lleyton Hewitt, Grosjean played this year's Australian Open semifinal against Clement, who was then beaten by Andre Agassi in the title match. Bureau Report