An investigation has been promised into claims that female tennis scholarship holders at the Australian Sports Institute (AIS) have been subjected to starvation diets and verbal abuse.

John Boultbee, the AIS director, says he will examine allegations from at least 34 women that their careers were ruined by the training regime enforced at the institute. Some said they developed eating disorders as a result. "It's all too easy to blame the AIS when someone is not successful," countered Boultbee. "Sometimes the athletes should perhaps look at themselves more closely."

Steffi Graf is unlikely to line up for Germany in the Federation Cup, her adviser said in Bonn yesterday.

Hans Engert said the 29-year-old had been unable to forge an agreement with the German tennis federation over terms.

Germany take on Japan in the event in Hamburg on April 24th and 25th.