Sanchez-Vicario Named Spain’s Fed Cup Captain

Written by: Staff on 29th December 2011

Sanchez-Vicario Named Spain’s Fed Cup Captain |

Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, the former world no.1 and unquestionably the most prominent female player in Spain’s illustrious tennis history has been appointed the nation’s new Fed Cup captain.

The news comes just a day after Alex Corretja was confirmed as newly appointed Davis Cup captain in succession to Albert Costa, and the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET), under president Jose Luis Escanuela, is clearly intent on moving into a brave new era.

Sanchez-Vicario figured in all five Spanish Fed Cup triumphs in the 1990s and succeeds long-time captain Miguel Margets Lobato. She also won a US Open title and three French Open trophies

Like Corretja, 40 year-old Sanchez-Vicario has been handed a two-year deal by the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation, and she will captain the team for the first time against Russia in February.

Margets Lobato, the 2008 winner of the Fed Cup Award of Excellence, bowed out on a high note when Spain brought to an end France’s proud record of having never been relegated from the competition’s top tier by claiming a 4-1 win in the World Group play-offs in Lleida last April.

Sanchez-Vicario, known as the Barcelona Bumble Bee, holds a collection of Spanish Fed Cup records for Fed Cup victories: most victories (72) most ties played (58) and longest cup career span (16 years). The mother of two said: “This opportunity is an honor and a huge responsibility.”

Meanwhile, Corretja has not given up hope of naming Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer in his Spanish team. The new captain maintained that neither the world no.2 nor no.5 had informed him personally that their plans for 2012 didn’t involve Davis Cup although both were insistent in the aftermath of their starring roles in the final win over Argentina in Seville earlier this month.

Corretja, speaking at Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium, said: My obligation as captain is to speak to all of the players and the coaches. Not one player has personally told me that they will not play.

Both Nadal and Ferrer have intimated their priorities next year rest with the four majors, improving their already impressive rankings and the Olympic Games. “If some players say they need time to rest, I can only respect that and try to put together the best team possible for each series,” continued Corretja.

The team will depend on how the players look and how motivated they are. What I want to see is a lot of desire, that every player wants to be part of this team and be motivated about being part of the best generation in the history of Spanish tennis.”

Topics: Arantxa Sanchez Vicario