Rafael Nadal criticized Gala Leon, Spain's female Davis Cup captain, on Tuesday for allegedly feeding false sexism debate after the Spanish tennis superstar criticized her appointment.
Nadal took a swipe at Leon and the Spanish tennis federation for creating division between players and fans after insisting that he and his uncle, Toni Nadal, made "sexist" remarks. Toni Nadal said in September that the federation should have appointed a captain with a deep background on men's tennis.
"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 told The Associated Press.
Nadal said that the Spanish tennis federation had the right to appoint Leon as the new Davis Cup captain, but he is unsure why there was so much focus on their comments about Leon's appointment.
Gala, whose appointment was hailed by the International Tennis Federation and Amelie Mauresmo-coached Andy Murray, has already talked to Spanish tennis players, but has not met Nadal since taking over in September.
Meanwhile, Nadal confirmed that he will make his return to action in January as he is planning to compete at the 2015 Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Nadal missed the 2014 ATP World Tour Final after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix, but the 14-time Grand Slam champion reiterated that he will be ready to make his comeback in Abu Dhabi, saying that the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is one of the most important tournaments for him.
"It's unfortunate that I had to miss the end of this season, but the time off will allow me to become even more focused on what I want to accomplish in 2015," Nadal told Gulf News. "I have missed a couple of opportunities to play big competitive matches now so playing in Abu Dhabi in January for me is really important."
Nadal, who won the Abu Dhabi tournament in 2009 and 2011, has been slowed down by injuries this year. The Mallorca, Spain native was hobbled by nagging back injuries in January and was also sidelined from July to September after sustaining a wrist injury in training.
