Soderling ruled out of Davis Cup
STOCKHOLM -- Sweden's highest-ranked player, Robin Soderling, has been ruled out of next week's Davis Cup first-round tie against Israel because of an Achilles tendon injury.
"It's a terribly difficult decision as I know I am important for the team," world No. 22 Soderling told the Swedish tennis federation's website on Monday. "But I have to take care of my body and think long-term."
Sweden was already without 2002 Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson, who has been sidelined for several months with a foot injury.
Joachim Johansson, who came out of retirement last year, had also ruled himself out of the tie in Malmo after saying he was not yet ready for five-set matches.
Jonas Bjorkman, a reliable Davis Cup performer for Sweden, quit tennis at the end of 2008.
Captain Mats Wilander names his squad on Tuesday and it is likely to feature Simon Aspelin and Robert Lindstedt as the doubles pairing.
