Costa steps down as Spanish captain after 2011 finals win

Dec 15, 2011, 12:03 GMT

Barcelona, Spain - Albert Costa on Thursday fulfilled the worst fears of Spanish tennis officials, with the Davis Cup captain announcing that he will step down from his post less than a fortnight after leading the nation to a fifth title in 11 editions of the event.

The 36-year-old who won the French Open in 2002 was facing a 2012 season without the services of main singles players Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer as well as Feliciano Lopez in doubles.

The high-profile trio announced during victory celebrations following the 3-1 finals win over Argentina in Seville that they could not work in Davis Cup with a full ATP schedule as well at the London Olympic Games.

The Spanish federation said that Costa will become the coordinator of the national teams, including Davis and Fed Cup and the Olympic squad. He led the Davis Cup team for three years, winning two trophies this month and in 2009.

'After three fantastic years leading the Davis Cup team, I now look forward to this new challenge,' the Spaniard told local media.

'I'm tired. I have three years in the captaincy, also working in the Catalan Federation and director of the Trofeo Godo,' he added.