French No.1 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has warned he intends to pile the pressure on US newcomer Ryan Harrison in their Davis Cup quarter-final clash in Monte Carlo on Friday.
World number six Tsonga has been drawn against 66th-ranked Harrison for the opener on clay at the Monte Carlo Country Club, with 13th-ranked Gilles Simon – called up in place of the injured Gael Monfils – then taking on towering American John Isner, ranked two places above the Frenchman.
“It will be his (Harrison) first Davis Cup match. I know how that feels and it’s special. I’m going to pile on the pressure from the outset to see how he reacts,” said Tsonga.
“He’s a promising young player, ambitious, a fighter, who could be on fire. I’m not going to underestimate him.”
France captain Guy Forget said he was “counting on the point” against 19-year-old Harrison, and Tsonga insisted he was ready to deliver despite the pressure of expectations.
“I’m used to this pressure and I’ve a positive ratio in these matches where I’m favourite,” said 26-year-old Tsonga, who has just two losses in 14 rubbers played for his country.
“Even if for the moment I haven’t had much success yet on clay I grew up on this surface and I know I can be very good on it.
“I think I’m going to have a good match whatever happens because it’s the Davis Cup and because I love this atmosphere. I need motivation and zeal and in the Davis Cup I feel that the whole time, it really lifts me.”
Simon, 27, has lost both of his previous ties against Isner, and will be looking to improve his record of one victory and five losses in Davis Cup singles rubbers.
“Having played on clay this year helped me to find my feet on the surface quicker,” said Simon, coming off tournaments in Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Acapulco.
“He has a big advantage with his height and uses that better and better. His service is a formidable weapon.
“But this time it will be at home. I hope that will make the difference,” added the player from along the French Riviera in Nice.
Saturday’s doubles will see world number one pairing Mike and Bob Bryan up against French duo and Julien Benneteau.
The winner this weekend will next meet either Spain or Austria for a place in the final.
Fixtures
Friday (from 1000 GMT)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) v Ryan Harrison (USA)
Gilles Simon (FRA) v John Isner (USA)
Saturday (from 1200 GMT)
Michael Llodra/Julien Benneteau (FRA) v Mike Bryan/Bob Bryan (USA)
Sunday (from 0900 GMT)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) v John Isner (USA)
Gilles Simon (FRA) v Ryan Harrison (USA)