A Crazy Sunday in Wimbledon
A crazy Sunday brought together a gathering at Wimbledon of the best Spanish tennis players and coaches, the withdrawal from the tournament by David Ferrer (elbow injury), and the signing of a collective letter with seven points against the presidency and management of disqualified president José Luis Escañuela, who is described as 'somewhat chaotic' and 'belligerent'. In the afternoon, some reports echoed a theoretical resignation by Gala León, the current captain of the Davis Cup, which supposedly took place in London, in front of the acting president, Olvido Alguilera, and in front of Escañuela himself. That alleged resignation, not yet officially confirmed, was not accepted.
The High Council of Sports (CSD) was waiting for the players' letter, and their official spokespersons commented: "We cannot be talking about the Tennis Federation every day and we will wait for more information about this new event related to Gala León." Tomorrow, at 6:00 p.m., the Council will debate with the Regional Federations what could be the first step in a motion of censure against Escañuela.
In the letter, players warn that the meeting is held "with the aim of addressing the deterioration and current situation of Spanish tennis". And they denounce: "No communication between the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation and professional tennis, especially with members of the Federation Cup and Davis Cup (...), lack of transparency in the distribution of resources from the Spanish Federation and lack of planning in grassroots tennis." That's the first four points.
From the fifth point, they talk about the "mismanagement of the brand 'Spanish Tennis'", which has prevented a proper and fruitful capitalization (...), in addition to the "lack of harmony between the different groups of Spanish tennis that has led to the alarming decrease in the number of licenses and participants". Finally, they denounce the "chaotic and belligerent leadership of Mr Escañuela that has led to his disqualification, putting his personal interests above the sport ". They conclude: "We request that the competent authorities act with the necessary authority and responsibility as quickly as possible." There are 44 signatures: 22 top-level players (men and women); at the forefront, Carla Suarez, Garbiñe Muguruza (...), David Ferrer, Rafa Nadal, Feliciano Lopez, Tommy Robredo, Roberto Bautista, Guillermo Garcia, Pablo Andújar, Fernando Verdasco...
Also, coaches like Toni Nadal, Pepo Clavet, Javier Duarte, Karim Perona, Albert Portas, Xavi Budó, Alejo Mancisidor, Carlos Costa (representative of Rafa Nadal)... and additionally, with the support, among others, of Manolo Santana, Sergi Bruguera, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, Alex Corretja, Alberto Berasategui and Jordi Arrese.