Wimbledon hero Erlich out of Israel Davis Cup tie

Yoni Erlich, who last week reached the semi-finals of the men’s doubles tournament at Wimbledon, has been ruled out of Israel’s crucial Davis Cup tie against Slovenia at the weekend.

The 38-year-old underwent surgery on Monday over a meniscus tear he suffered in the last shot of his Wimbledon quarter-final match, and set to be sidelined for up to six weeks.

Despite his absence, the Israelis are still favourites going into the tie against a Slovenian side who will be without their two top-ranked players.

Looking forward to having home advantage, captain Eyal Ran said: “We are really happy to be playing at home once more. We know from past experience that playing in Israel gives the players a real push and that at home they are more committed and play better.”

Dudi Sela and Mir Weintraub will represent Israel in the singles, with Bar Botzer, Edan Leshem and Ben Patael all possibilities for the doubles.

Sela said: “You never know what might happen in the Davis cup, it will be really fun to play in Israel for the first time in three years and I hope we can get the win.”

Israel be hosting a tie in the competition for the first time since April 2012 and should they be beaten, will be relegated to Group II.