The dust has finally settled, but the tennis world is still grappling with the bittersweet reality: Rafael Nadal has bid farewell to the sport. After dazzling fans for over two decades and claiming an astonishing 22 Grand Slam titles, the Spanish legend leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. As fans reflect on his remarkable career, so do his peers and former rivals, each adding their own touch of nostalgia. Now, Paul Annacone, the former coach of Nadal’s fiercest rival, Roger Federer, has stepped in to share his thoughts

The Spanish tennis great played his last match representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals where he witnessed a baffling defeat against Dutch star Botic van de Zandschulp. As his career came to an end, tributes are pouring in from across the globe as people recall Nadal’s legacy. Annacone, meanwhile, shed light on what it was like to train Federer against the Spanish Sensation.

Speaking in an interview with Tennis Channel’s Inside In Podcast, Annacone said, “To me, arguably, the best competitor of all-time in any sport I think. And you have to figure out how to conquer that, there’s no bigger challenge.” Continuing further, he reflected on the additional work he had to do while Federer faced Nadal. 

“Luckily, for me, I also got to play with arguably one of the most gifted athletes that has ever held a tennis racquet. It was always fun to sit there and problem-solving, figure out what Roger can do to make him uncomfortable,” he said. The 61-year-old was hired by Federer in 2010 and their partnership continued until 2013. During this partnership, Annacone helped Federer in two straight year-end championships in 2010 and 2011, returning to the world no. 1 ranking, and his seventh Wimbledon Championships. But facing Nadal continued to remain a challenge for Federer during this period too. 

The Swiss Maestro battled Nadal 12 times between 2010 and 2013. However, he could only win only 3 matches against him during this period which highlights how strong of an opponent Rafa was. Overall, they played 40 matches until Federer’s retirement in 2022 with Nadal winning 24 of them. And it is probably for this grit and determination that even Federer could not stop singing praises for Nadal on his retirement. 

Roger Federer took to X and expressed how saddening is Nadal’s retirement for him. He highlighted that Nadal “made the whole tennis world proud.” Mentioning the best times spent with Rafa, Federer recalled the Laver Cup Finals where the Swiss Maestro played his last match. “It meant everything to me that you were there by my side— not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career,” Federer added.

These victories and skills from Nadal have not just mesmerized his fans but are also giving him satisfaction about his career, as he is now gearing up to begin the next chapter of his life.

Rafael Nadal admits evolving from tennis with “personal satisfaction”

Rafael Nadal conquered almost everything that any tennis player would dream of. The tennis great did not just establish himself as one of the most formidable forces but also redefined an era for many. And now, as he retires from the sport, he is graciously expressing satisfaction over everything he achieved in his career. 

In an interaction about the same ahead of the Davis Cup, Nadal shared, “I am going to leave this professional tour with the calm and with the personal satisfaction that I give my best almost in every single moment.” He further revealed that he is not concerned about the next chapter of his life either and is ready to face everything with his head held high.

“I am not worried about the next chapter in my life. I have been always happy without tennis, and I had a lot of moments in my life that I was not able to play tennis because of injuries, so I spent a lot of months doing other things.” 

While Nadal may have hung up his racket, his influence will echo through every corner of the sport for years to come. What are your thoughts on Rafa’s incredible career?