Italian tennis federation bans Bolelli

ROME

Tuesday, 23 September 2008 15:31:06

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Italian tennis player Simone Bolelli was banned by his federation from national team events for skipping last weekend's Davis Cup matches with Latvia.

The 45th-ranked Bolelli instead chose to play tour events in Bangkok, Thailand, and Tokyo this week and next.

Monday's ban prevents Bolelli from playing in the Davis Cup and the Olympics and getting wild cards from his federation for certain tournaments.

Bolelli said he told Italy captain Corrado Barrazzutti well in advance of the Davis Cup that he preferred to work on his fast-court game in Asia.

Italy beat Latvia 3-2 in a Europe-Africa zone relegation playoff in Montecatini, led by 28th-ranked Andreas Seppi, No. 72 Fabio Fognini and No. 76 Potito Starace.