“Didn’t have a bigger ego,” Roger Federer’s ex-coach says ‘humility’ was Rafael Nadal’s biggest weakness

Roger Federer's ex-coach Paul Annacone believes Rafael Nadal's humility stopped him from going all bonkers.

“Didn’t have a bigger ego,” Roger Federer’s ex-coach says ‘humility’ was Rafael Nadal’s biggest weakness

Rafael Nadal (Image via BBC)

Roger Federer‘s former coach Paul Annacone talked about Rafael Nadal‘s temperament and explained why his humility was his biggest liability. Nadal has retired from tennis following Spain’s Davis Cup elimination on November 19.

Nadal’s career is defined by his successes on the tennis courts and his humility. His modest personality, along with his passion for tennis, has always inspired the young players. But Annacone, who has often studied Nadal’s game while working with Federer, thinks humility sometimes stopped Nadal from unleashing his full potential.

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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.

Paul Annacone said on Tennis Channel’s Inside-In Podcast

In Nadal’s final match, he lost to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4 in Spain’s Davis Cup tie against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. Following Nadal’s game, Carlos Alcaraz won the singles match but his team failed to eke out a win in the doubles decider.

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Paul Annacone loved finding ways to defeat Rafael Nadal while working with Roger Federer

Paul Annacone joined Roger Federer‘s team in 2010 and worked with the Swiss maestro till 2013. During that time, Federer won the 2012 Wimbledon and reclaimed his World No.1 position. But against Nadal, Federer, under the American coach, trailed in their head-to-head clash 7-3. Despite the result, Annacone liked the game planning to beat the Spaniard.

Rafael Nadal (2)
Rafael Nadal (Image via X)

There is no greater challenge. And, for me, fortunately, I also got to play with Roger, possibly one of the most talented athletes who has ever held a tennis racket, so it was a great contrast between the two. It was always fun trying to sit there and solve problems and figure out what Roger could do to make him uncomfortable.

Paul Annacone said on Tennis Channel’s Inside-In Podcast

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was the first member of the Big 3 to hang up his racket, which he did at the 2022 Laver Cup. Nadal, who last won a major title at the 2022 French Open, ended this season without winning a title, reaching the final in just one tournament, at the Swedish Open. He also played in the Olympics in Paris, in singles and doubles but lost in the second round and the quarterfinals respectively.