Paris, Nov 22 (IANS) Jeremy Chardy and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga earned France captain Yannick Noah's faith to represent the defending champions in singles matches of the Davis Cup final this weekend against Croatia.
Following the draw on Thursday, Chardy is set to face Borna Coric in Friday's opening match on indoor clay court at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, while Tsonga will face Croatia's top-ranked player Marin Cilic, the world No. 7, reports Xinhua news agency.
Noah made a bit surprising decision after leaving out France's top-placed Lucas Pouille, who had won the decisive point for France in last year's final.
However, Chardy is a favourable choice with his unbeaten record on indoor clay in previous Davis Cup matches.
Tsonga ranks as high as fifth, but he has missed most of the season due to injury before returning to tennis action in September, seeing his world ranking slump to the 259th.
France doubles specialists Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut will feature Saturday's action against Croatian counterparts Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic.
Two reverse singles duels are scheduled on Sunday, with Chardy taking on Cilic and Tsonga facing Coric.
France won their 10th Davis Cup last year after edging Belgium through five rubbers in the final.
