Indian Wells 2024: Roger Federer’s Former Coach Dismisses ‘Only Issue’ That Can Damage Rafael Nadal’s Best Shot at 23rd Grand Slam

The last year was a torrid one for Rafael Nadal on many fronts. While injury kept him on the sidelines, he also saw his rivals get ahead of him. World Number 1, Novak Djokovic, won his 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open last year, overtaking Nadal’s feat of 22 major titles. Later, the Serb went on to clinch the US Open to make it to 24 Grand Slam titles. As a result, Nadal is eager to add to his tally of major titles. Recently, Roger Federer’s former coach, Paul Annacone, discussed the possibility of Nadal winning another title on the sport’s biggest stage.

Nadal is gearing up to make a potential comeback at the Indian Wells Masters next month. While he still hasn’t confirmed his participation in that tournament, it will be his first major match in almost two months. Let’s find out what Annacone had to say about Nadal’s comeback and his Grand Slam future.

Paul Annacone analyzes the chances of Rafael Nadal adding another Grand Slam title to his achievements

With the clay-court season lurking, Nadal is eager to make a comeback before it. He wants to play in the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Masters before the clay-court season commences. As a result, there have been talks about him risking a chance to win the French Open title, his best shot of adding to his tally of 22 Grand Slam titles.

However, Roger Federer’s former coach, Paul Annacone felt otherwise. During an interview, he talked about whether Nadal should play in Indian Wells and whether that will impact his French Open chances. He said, “I think it’s fine. He’s in California practicing already, getting acclimated.” Further, he went on to add, “So the only issue is if he’s not 100 percent. Then don’t go. But I don’t think he’d be here in California if he wasn’t close to 100 percent and ready for Indian Wells.”

Time and again, Nadal has spoken about winning more Grand Slam titles. He once also revealed if he’ll be able to overtake Djokovic’s tally of 24 major titles.

When Nadal made a candid confession about surpassing Djokovic

Towards the end of last year, Rafa appeared in an interview before his much-awaited comeback. However, in that conversation, he didn’t have good news for his fans as he made a saddening admission.

DIVE DEEPER: Novak Djokovic Keeps Rivalry With Rafael Nadal Aside as He Makes Unexpected Grand Slam Wish for Tennis Foe

Nadal revealed, “I won’t win more Majors than Djokovic, but I will be back to compete… Until now, I didn’t know if I would ever play tennis again, and now I sincerely believe that I will play tennis again. Every time I am able to train a little more, the evolution seems to be good.”

Realistically speaking the French Open this season will be Nadal’s best shot at adding another Grand Slam trophy to his glittering cabinet. However, to do so, he’ll have to be at the top of his game.