Rusedski still on the sidelines

Greg Rusedski was assuming the role of chief cheerleader as he began his tennis comeback on the sidelines in Luxembourg today.

The British number two was left out of the singles line-ups for Great Britain’s Euro-African Zone clash at the National Tennis Centre in Esch-Alzette.

Captain Jeremy Bates insisted he had no fears over Rusedski’s fitness following his three-month lay-off exonerating himself from a drugs charge.

But he nevertheless opted to give youth a chance in the shape of 26-year-old Arvind Parmar, who was due to open proceedings against the home side’s former Wimbledon boys finalist Gilles Muller.

Rusedski said: “My fitness level is good and Jeremy has made the choice he feels is best. It is a great opportunity for Arvind and I think he will play very well.

“It is great to be part of a team again but also great to see the younger guys coming up.”