Spain chooses first female Davis Cup Captain

GALA LEÓN has been chosen as Spain’s first ever female Davis Cup captain this week. She was elected after Carlos Moya’s decision to step down as captain last week, after Spain were relegated from the World Group after a disastrous loss against Brazil. It will be the first time in 18 years that Spain will not play.

Leon, 40, who had a career high of 27 in the world rankings, will take over as the new captain and take on Moya’s responsibilities in charge of the federation’s management.

A little less excited about the change was Toni Nadal, Rafa Nadal’s coach and uncle. He said it could create problems “at dressing-room level” and “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.”

Although Toni Nadal was not so enthusiastic, Andy Murray congratulated Leon on Twitter, writing: “Congrats to Gala León for becoming first female Spanish Davis Cup captain today… hopefully first of many.”