Despite their best efforts, an injury hit French team were defeated by the U.S.A. 4-1 in the Davis Cup quarterfinals at the weekend.

Injuries to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (knee) and Richard Gasquet (hand blisters) largely hindered the chances of France when it faced defending champions the U.S., who boasted a fully fit team of Andy Roddick, James Blake and Bob and Mike Bryan.

Andy Roddick comfortably defeated Michael Llodra - Gasquet's replacement - in the first rubber, before Paul-Henri Mathieu squandered two match points against James Blake, losing in five sets and handing the U.S. a 2-0 lead in the tie.

Wimbledon champions Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra played a superb match to beat World No. 1 duo Bob and Mike Bryan and get France back in the tie.

At this stage, there was the option for Richard to play Andy Roddick in the fourth rubber as he had not been withdrawn from the team. However, French captain Guy Forget opted to stick with Mathieu and unfortunately he was not able to produce his form from Friday and was beaten in straight sets by the American No. 1.

Richard stepped in to play the dead rubber against James Blake, falling in three sets.