Nadal leads Spanish players’ coup at home
Rafa Nadal and David Ferrer along with other high-profile figures in Spanish tennis have signed an open letter criticising their federation over the poor running of the sport in the latest development of an ongoing feud.
A total of 44 people put their name on Sunday to a seven-point statement that hit out at general poor organisation along with a lack of transparency by the Spanish federation (RFET).
It emphasised the “chaotic” and “belligerent” way that the federation is led by president Jose Luis Escanuela and asks that the “necessary authorities” take swift action to remedy the situation.
Resignation
The letter comes on the back of claims in local media that the nation’s first female Davis Cup captain Gala Leon offered her resignation following continued disapproval of her appointment last September, but it was not accepted by the federation.
Nadal was among those who reacted with disbelief at the RFET’s naming of Leon, who had a career-high ranking of 27 as a player, to replace Carlos Moya.
It has led to accusations of sexism and Nadal said: “The situation is terrible. All these things that are happening cause damage to tennis, to the desire sponsors might have to invest in our sport, to the excitement that kids might have in continuing to play,”