Gasquet out of Rio with back injury

France’s Richard Gasquet reacts after losing the first set in his men’s singles match against US player Steve Johnson at the ATP tournament at Queen’s tennis club, in London in west London on June 13, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK

Frenchman Richard Gasquet has pulled out of next month’s Rio Olympics because of a back injury with Benoit Paire taking his place, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) said on Monday.

It is the second time the 30-year-old, who won doubles bronze with Julien Benneteau in London four years ago, has pulled out of the Games after he also missed Beijing in 2008.

“Injured in the back, Richard Gasquet has withdrawn from competing in the Olympics. He will be replaced by Benoit Paire,” the FFT said in a statement.

Gasquet, the world number 14, has not played since pulling out of his fourth-round encounter with compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at Wimbledon earlier this month.