Patrice Hagelauer has resigned as performance director of the Lawn Tennis Association to become coach of France's Davis Cup team.

Hagelauer defended his four-year record at the LTA, where he was charged with turning round British tennis and finding a new generation of stars.

"I really do believe that the game is in a better position now than when I arrived here and I do believe Britain will achieve its ambition of becoming a world class tennis nation."

The Frenchman insisted his shock decision to leave was not based on any internal wrangling at the LTA.

We will undertake a thorough search for a successor to Patrice with both internal and external candidates under consideration LTA chief executive John Crowther

He said two years ago he would quit if he did not start to see results.

"The opportunity to again be involved in the French Davis Cup team was too tempting for me to turn down," he said.

Hagelauer, 54, is said to be the overwhelming choice of captain Guy Forget and France's Davis Cup players to take over the running of the team.

The previous incumbent, Thierry Tulasne, has given up the post to work with French number one Sebastien Grosjean.

The Frenchman has held the Davis Cup post before, but will be given further duties that will make the position a full-time job.

Hagelauer has generally been seen as a success in the tricky role of running British tennis and trying to find the successors to Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski.

He persuaded the LTA to place much greater emphasis on developing junior players.

He oversaw the introduction of the National Performance Programme and the establishment of four regional academies.

Last year, along with former GB Davis captain Paul Hutchins, he also established a network of more than 100 so-called 'Performance Clubs' with approved junior programmes.

"His legacy is one that we will build upon as we look to produce more players and better players," said LTA chief executive John Crowther.