Mladenovic, Garcia and Paire suspended by French tennis fed

PARIS (AP) The French tennis federation has provisionally suspended Kristina Mladenovic, Caroline Garcia and Benoit Paire for ''damaging'' its image at the Rio

PARIS (AP) The French tennis federation has provisionally suspended Kristina Mladenovic, Caroline Garcia and Benoit Paire for ''damaging'' its image at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Paire, who was seeded 16th at the Rio Games, was sent home after being kicked off France's team.

The 27-year-old Paire, ranked 34 in the world, broke ''team rules,'' the FFT said in its statement Sunday. He reportedly sometimes stayed away from the village, or came back late. He also made dismissive comments about the importance of the Games because there are no ranking points.

Mladenovic and Garcia ''sharply criticized'' the FFT following their defeat in the first round of the doubles over a clothing mix-up, saying that they were not informed by their federation that, as doubles partners, they had to wear the same colors.

The pair was told just before going on court that they could lose by default if they did not change their clothing, and Mladenovic had to lend Garcia some spare gear.

Mladenovic was particularly angry, posting five tweets in which she lambasted what she called the ''incompetence'' of the FFT, blaming it for ''ruining'' their match.

The FFT said all three showed an ''unacceptable attitude,'' adding that they are provisionally suspended from selection until a final decision is made on Sept. 24.

Mladenovic and Garcia are key players in France's Fed Cup team that will contest the final against the Czech Republic in November.

France plays away to Croatia in the Davis Cup semifinals from Sept. 16-18, meaning that Paire is ineligible to play.

However, he has yet to represent France and was not expected to be selected.

The FFT added that the three will receive no help from the FFT during the suspension period.