Why Rafa Should Let His Racket Do the Talking

Fourteen-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal criticized Spain's female Davis Cup captain Gala Leon for feeding a "false and absurd" debate. He said, "It seems strange to me as Davis Cup captain that instead of seeking union and harmony between players, captains and federations, she has incited and fed a debate that is totally false and absurd."

Back in September Nadal's coach and uncle 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."

Apparently Uncle Toni believes in stepping off the wrong foot with backhanded comments, as well as strokes as he was widely criticized in Spain for making a thinly veiled misogynist comment by Spanish politicians as well as the press.

Leon responded by saying, "I'm not going to ask forgiveness for being a woman." 

Anyone who has spent time around children recognizes Rafa's comments as the classic "You started it, why do you care so much?" argument.

Seems like Rafa believes that he and Uncle Toni get to speak their minds and no one else does by claiming that Leon's comments have "incited" a "false" sexism debate.

Of course everyone is entitled to their option, but maybe Rafa would be well-served to let his racket do the talking from now on.

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March/April 2024 Digital Edition