Santana's criticism followed Spain's 3-2 victory over Brazil in their world group first-round clash in Porto Alegre. The Spanish captain said Kuerten had been verbally abusing him from the court.

``Kuerten was calling me all sort of names. His behaviour was incomprehensible and he showed he was a complete clown. At least the Spanish players showed him how to play with dignity,'' Santana said.

Spain's players also came under a hail of abuse from the Brazilian spectators but, according to Alex Corretja, their attempts to unsettle him backfired.

Corretja said: ``The insults showed a lack of respect but all they did was motivate more.''

Moya clinched Spain's victory by beating Fernando Meligeni, the first time in 11 years a Spanish player had won the final match with the tie at stake.