Key Takeaways
- Before choosing Marta Ortega ahead of Alejandra Salazar for Spain’s World Championship squad, Carolina Navarro acknowledged, “I’ve spent sleepless nights thinking about Martita and Alejandra,”
- Discussing the decision, Navarro said that “Ale, as you all know, is a legend; she deserved to be there and say goodbye like this,” while ultimately pointing to Ortega’s excellent current form.
- For the backhand position, Navarro preferred Martina Calvo to Tamara Icardo, explaining that Calvo “deserved the opportunity to represent Spain.”
Navarro wrestles with painful Doha roster decision
Ahead of the World Championship in Doha, Spain coach Carolina Navarro had to make one of the toughest squad decisions of recent times. Paula Josemaria was the unquestioned starter on the drive side, while Claudia Fernandez and Andrea Ustero had strengthened their cases through their emerging form. That left the last berth to Alejandra Salazar or Marta Ortega, two highly decorated players who had shared Spain’s triumph at the 2024 World Cup.
Recent results had to be balanced against an outstanding career legacy. Navarro described how emotionally difficult it was to reach the final decision, admitting, “I’ve spent sleepless nights thinking about Martita and Alejandra.”
The assessment required Navarro to compare Salazar’s immense stature in the sport with Ortega’s present momentum. “Ale, as you all know, is a legend; she deserved to be there and say goodbye like this,” said Navarro. “But it’s also true that this could be Martita’s last World Championship, and I think she’s performing very well.”
In the end, Navarro tried to separate her decision from the emotions surrounding a possible farewell for Salazar. “I’ve tried to distance myself a bit from everything and think about what I would do if it weren’t Alejandra’s last year, and the decision would have been Martita,” she disclosed.
Ortega’s national-team pride and the backhand contest
Securing the spot means a great deal to Ortega personally. In a previous interview at Roland Garros during the Paris Major, she explained the significance of representing her country. “It’s my favorite week, I enjoy it so much,” said Ortega. “For me, it’s an honor, a source of pride, and an incredible responsibility to carry the flag. It gives me goosebumps.”
Another difficult call awaited Navarro when completing the backhand group. Gemma Triay, Ari Sanchez, and Bea Gonzalez were assured of selection, leaving Tamara Icardo and Martina Calvo in contention for the remaining berth. The coach opted for Calvo, who joins the squad together with her partner Claudia.
“It was complicated because the level is extremely high,” Navarro said of the competition for that backhand place. “Tamara is playing very well, but Martina is coming on strong with Claudia; she deserved the opportunity to represent Spain.”
Di Nenno and Navarro: Paris performance, ranking, and results
Di Nenno and Navarro own a 21-9 win-loss record as a team in 2026. Their latest appearance ended in the September 12 semifinal, where Galan (world no.3) and Chingotto (world no.3) defeated them 7-5 6-2.
