Paul Annacone made an attention-grabbing remark about Rafael Nadal’s profession as Roger Federer’s former coach thinks the 38-year-old’s humility was his “downside” however on the similar time his “biggest asset.”
Proper from the beginning of his profession, the Spaniard began reaching main success, with probably the most spectacular accomplishment being profitable the French Open in every of his first 4 appearances. After struggling on grass early in his profession, he additionally figured that out in 2008 after beating Federer in an epic remaining to stop the Swiss from profitable his sixth consecutive title at The Championships.
However though Nadal was profitable Grand Slams for 17 years being and labeled because the King of Clay very early in his profession, he was by no means the one to brag or be smug. As an alternative, he at all times saved a humble perspective and made certain to be as respectful as potential to any opponent.
And on Tuesday, the Spanish tennis icon’s profession got here to an finish with 22 Majors in his assortment, two Olympic gold medals, 4 Davis Cup titles, and 209 weeks spent on the world No. 1 spot. Additionally, there’s that well-known file of 14 French Open titles.
Now, Annacone – who labored with Federer for 3 years between 2010 and 2013 – admits he was stunned that the 38-year-old by no means had an ego. If he had, the coach believes the Spaniard would have been crushing the ball tougher and extra dominantly profitable a few of his matches.
“Rafa’s only downside was also his biggest asset. His only downside was his humility and that’s also his biggest asset. There are times where I would look at him and wonder how he didn’t actually have a bigger ego. He was always so gracious and so humble about what he’s doing that sometimes that hindered his ability to step on a court and just crush the ball,” Annacone stated on Tennis Channel’s Inside-In podcast.
“And when Rafa was vulnerable, he didn’t crush the ball and we saw that yesterday because he hasn’t played and it’s on his worst surface, his ball gets very spinny and it sits up. But because of that humility, he didn’t just walk on that court and star ripping balls everywhere.
“He felt like each match he needed to be on the high of his recreation, he was weak and due to that he typically performed a bit of bit tentatively till he acquired the match reps in after which when he did that, he performed extra aggressive. However once more the largest legal responsibility, if he even had one, his humility and for those who swap that for a way gracious that’s and what an asset that’s, I’ll take that stability.”
Rafael Nadal© Tenis Espana/Instagram – Fair Use
Nadal delivered two humble messages on his final day
On Tuesday – the day of the Spain and Netherlands tie – it was officially confirmed that the 22-time Grand Slam champion would play singles. But instead of it being a big day, it was tough to watch at times as the former world No. 1 was far from his best and Botic van de Zandschulp took advantage of it to complete a 6-4 6-4 win.
Since Spain ended up losing via the deciding doubles rubber, Ferrer didn’t have to make that decision since Nadal’s career ended.
And when giving his retirement speech, the record 14-time French Open winner didn’t want to brag or anything like that about his achievements. Instead, he wanted fans to know that he was “a child from a small village” who was dreaming of changing into a tennis professional at some point.
Rafael Nadal© Tenis Espana/Instagram – Honest Use
“The title, the numbers are there, so the individuals most likely know that. I wish to be remembered as a great particular person from a small village in Majorca. I had the luck. My uncle was a tennis coach in my village once I was a small child, and I had a fantastic household that supported me in each single second. Only a child who adopted their dream and labored as exhausting as potential to be what I’m at this time,” a teary Nadal stated.
“At the end of the day, a lot of people work hard and try their best every single day, but I’m one of the very lucky ones that life gave me an opportunity to live an unforgettable experience due to tennis. So, I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid who followed their dreams and achieved more than they dreamed.”
