Conchita Martinez has been named as the new Spanish Fed Cup by BNP Paribas captain, according to the RFET.
Martinez, who is a five-time winner of the competition as a player, will take over from her former team-mate, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, just in time for Spain’s World Group II first round clash with Ukraine on 9-10 February.
“Conchita is a legend of Spanish tennis,” said RFET president Jose Luis Escañuela. “It’s good that those who have given so much to our sport have the opportunity to keep helping the team.”
RFET director of sport Albert Costa added: “I am convinced that it is the right decision, Conchita can help support our Fed Cup team, her experience proves that.”
Martinez won the Fed Cup in 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995 and in 1998 in what can only be described as the heyday of women’s tennis in Spain and she will be hoping to inspire her troops to similar success when she takes charge.
A former World No. 2, Martinez won Wimbledon in 1994 – the only Spanish woman to acheive such a feat – and finished runner-up at the 1998 Australian Open and 2000 Roland Garros.