France ban top players

The French Tennis Federation yesterday slapped a ban on its top women players following "unacceptable" conduct at the Rio Olympics.

Caroline Garcia, the French No. 1 , and Kristina Mladenovic, the No. 2, could miss the final of the Fed Cup against the Czech Republic in November. A final decision will be known on Sept 24.

Mladenovic is accused of publicly criticising the federation following her defeat in the Olympic doubles tournament in which she teamed up with Garcia.

She said in a tweet the federation failed to tell the players about rules whereby they had to wear the same colours on court, forcing Garcia into a change of kit borrowed from her teammate.

Paire was kicked out of the French Olympic team over allegations of poor conduct in Rio, including lengthy absences from the Olympic Village. - AFP.