French tennis chiefs seek new skipper for women's team to replace Benneteau

The French Tennis Federation on Tuesday began its hunt for a new captain for the international women's team after confirming the departure of Julien Benneteau when his contract ends this summer.

Benneteau, 43, succeeded Yannick Noah as captain of the Fed Cup team in June 2018 and led the squad of the country's best female players to victory over Australia in 2019 to claim the international team competition fora third time since its inception in 1963.

However, subsequent sides were unable to emulate that high and France were relegated in November 2024 to the second division of teams in the revamped format called the Billie Jean King Cup.

Last month, the team played in a promotion/relegation tournament in Vilnius in Lithuania but failed to reach the play-offs which provide a path back to the top tier of the competition.

"Together, we realised that we were coming to the end of a cycle and that it was necessary for Julien to pass the torch to a new captain who could give this team a new dynamic," said FFT boss Gilles Moretton.

"I would like to thank him sincerely for all the work he has done since 2019."

Before taking up the post, Benneteau enjoyed a successful career on the ATP circuit. After turning professional in 2000, he reached a singles high of 25 in the world and collected 12 doubles titles including the 2014 French Open. He retired in 2018 after the French Open in Paris.

"I'd like to thankthe FFT for entrusting me with this mission, which I've been passionate about for six years," said Benneteau.

"Of course I'll remember the title won in Perth. But I'll also remember many other high points. I wish this team every success in returning to its rightful place among the world's elite."