France captain Guy Forget has attacked Amelie Mauresmo over her withdrawal from this month's Fed Cup finals. "I can't believe she did this," Forget said about the world number two in an interview in sports daily L'Equipe.
"Until the very last minute I tried to make her change her mind but her answer was negative."
Mauresmo pulled out saying she needs to rest and prepare for next season. Title-holders France play Spain in the semi-finals on 24 and 25 November.
She said: "There is a time in your career when tough choices have to be made if you want to aim at the top.
"I want to start next season in the best possible physical shape."
Forget had named experienced Mary Pierce and Nathalie Dechy alongside teenager Tatiana Golovin, and he called up Marion Bartoli to replace Mauresmo on Tuesday.
"I can understand her point of view even if I know she is in great physical shape at the moment," he said.
"What frustrates me is that the Fed Cup is no longer a target for her.
"I'm not interested in leading a squad made up of players who turn up when they feel like it."
In the other semi-final, hosts Russia, the strong title favourites, face Austria. The final takes place on 27 and 28 November.
MMIX
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