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Nadal slams captain for sexism debate

The 14-time Grand Slam winner struck out at both captain Gala Leon and the Spanish tennis federation. ‘It seems strange to me, as Davis Cup captain, that instead of seeking union and harmony between players, captains and the federation, she has incited and fed a debate that is totally false and absurd,’ Nadal said. He also said federation president Jose Escanuela was in his ‘right’ to appoint Leon captain, but ‘it seems unfair to me that they have wanted to shift the issue to a place that is evidently a clear issue of populism.’

In September, Toni Nadal questioned Leon’s appointment as Spain’s first female Davis Cup captain by saying it was ‘preferable that (the captain) is someone with a background in the world of men’s tennis.’ Toni Nadal’s comments were labeled sexist by politicians from Spain’s leading political parties and in the media.

Gala’s appointment was applauded by Andy Murray, who is coached by Amelie Mauresmo, and the International Tennis Federation. Leon has since met with some Spanish players, but not Rafael Nadal. ‘I’m not going to ask for forgiveness for being a woman,’ Leon told the media after a player meeting last month, which she described as ‘constructive’ and ‘professional.’
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