Gala Leon Garcia has rejected suggestions from Rafael Nadal's coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, that her selection as Spain's first female Davis Cup captain will be impractical.
Toni Nadal had expressed his surprise at the decision announced on Sunday, claiming Leon Garcia is not well-known to his 14-time grand slam-winning nephew or the rest of Spain's top male players.
Moreover, he claimed that her ability to coach the team would be compromised by not being able to enter the dressing rooms at all times.
I don't think there will be any problem with the dressing room. I was in Sao Paulo. It is very simple, you knock on the door and that's it
"I don't want to be misinterpreted because I don't have anything against a woman coaching a player, but it surprises me for various reasons," he said.
"Firstly, she is not known on the male circuit. Rafa doesn't know her and I think it is the same with the other players.
"Also, there is a logistical difficulty to overcome. In the Davis Cup you spend a lot of time in the dressing room with little clothes on and it is strange to have a woman inside.
"I like things to be as easy as possible and I understand it is easier that the captain is a man."