MADRID - Rafael Nadal has criticized Spain's female Davis Cup captain for feeding a "false and absurd" debate that started when his coach and uncle questioned whether a woman could coach in the men's game.

Nadal says "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."

Last month, Toni Nadal questioned Gala 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."

Toni Nadal's comments were labeled sexist by politicians and in the media.

Leon has since met with some Spanish players, but not Rafael Nadal.