Forget fumes about Mauresmo withdrawal

France captain Guy Forget has blasted world number two Amelie Mauresmo for choosing to withdraw from the Fed Cup semi-final against Spain in Moscow on November 24 and 25.

Mauresmo, who lost in the Masters semi-finals to Serena Williams, claims she needs a rest before fulfilling higher ambitions next season.

But Forget clearly has little time for the star’s explanation.

“Everything is a question of choice in life,” Forget told L’Equipe. “Her arguments are understandable but it means the Fed Cup is not a priority anymore for her and that frustrates me a lot. We were all engaged in a great human adventure and suddenly she changed her attitude. This is amazing.”

Mauresmo, who became world number one in September before being leapfrogged in the rankings by American ace Lyndsay Davenport, claims her main objective for the 2005 season is to win a Grand Slam.

“Priorities change and obviously her personal career comes first,” Forget said.

Mauresmo explained on her website on Tuesday her reasons for not taking part in the Fed Cup.

“Refusing a calling-up is never something that’s easy to do,” she said. “But my objective is to win a Grand Slam tournament and I need to rest.

“In the past two seasons I have had a very busy schedule and if I want to start the 2005 campaign in the best conditions, I had to do that.

“At some point, in one’s career, it is necessary to make such choices in order to reach new heights.”

Mauresmo has been replaced by Emilie Loit in the starting line-up which also includes Tatiana Golovin, Mary Pierce and Nathalie Dechy.

The final of the Fed Cup will take place in Moscow on November 27 and 28.