The very idea of a female Davis Cup coach for tennis power Spain has left Toni Nadal perplexed after the surprise appointment of former minor WTA player Gala Leon to head the male Davis effort for Iberia.
The 40-year-old who once ranked 27th will replace former No. 1 Carlos Moya, who quit after a year in charge as five-times champion Spain were relegated at the weekend by a loss to Brazil into the European zonal competition. Up to ten of the country’s 12 best players declined a place on the squad, including injured Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer.
“I have had zero relations with Gala Leon and I believe Rafa Nadal also zero, he has never mentioned it to me,” said Nadal’s uncle and coach, “But it doesn’t matter, I have never spoken to her but that doesn’t mean anything.
“It would seem to be more normal if the captain had been someone like Juan Carlos Ferrero, or some ex-player of a certain level, which is what has happened recently.”
Many had been hoping to see one-time US Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero take over the helm from Moya. The appointment of Gala Leon came out of the blue. The loss by Spain in Brazil marked the first time in nearly two decades that the European powerhouse had exited the elite World Group.
While Toni Nadal is puzzled, noted tennis feminist Andy Murray tweeted his support – possibly a practicality seeing that he is coached by Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo on the ATP. “Congrats to Gala Leon Garcia for becoming first female Spanish Davis Cup captain today. . . hopefully first of many,” said the Scot.
Topics: Davis Cup Captain, Gala Leon, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Moya, Tennis, Toni Nadal, Wta
TONI #NADAL IS SURPRISED & SO ARE WE: HOW DID @juankiferri A FORMER WORLD NUMBER ONE ON THE #ATP… http://t.co/x5ARZrp6J4 #tennis #daviscup