Paul Annacone on Rafael Nadal in Paris: "greatest achievement in sport"
Former American tennis professional Paul Annacone is impressed by Rafael Nadal's thirteen Paris titles in an interview with Tennis Magazin Italia - but he doesn't want to call the Spaniard the GOAT (Greatest of all time). And for a reason of its own.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Oct 25, 2020, 11:17 am
Rafael Nadal's achievements in Paris are a collection of superlatives. The 34-year-old won no less than 13 titles on the Bois de Bolougne, which shine in a very special light in view of the incredible record of 100: 2 victories under the Eiffel Tower. A good two weeks ago, the 20-time Grand Slam champion added another chapter to this success story when he didn't give his long-term competitor Novak Djokovic the slightest chance in a memorable final.
A fact that also amazed coach and player legend Paul Annacone, as the American stated in an interview with Tennis Magazine Italia : "I even believe that this can be seen as the greatest achievement in the history of the sport. " With his most recent title at the Stade Roland Garros, Nadal has also caught up with Roger Federer when it comes to Grand Slam titles. Probably the most important comparison in tennis, which is often used as a substrate for GOAT discussions.
Number one at the end of the year for Sampras especially
Discussions that Annacone refuses to get involved in: "Personally, I don't believe in the concept of the 'greatest of all time'. I think we can discuss the most successful, if at all," said the 57-year-old. Annacone does not necessarily endorse the fact that the Grand Slam titles are the most important basis for comparison: "Pete Sampras once told me, for example, that his greatest success was not the 14 Grand Slams or the seven Wimbledon victories, but six years in Follow as number one to end the year. "
Sampras said it was very difficult to maintain this constancy over such a long period of time. In addition, there would be four opportunities for Grand Slam titles per season and year, but the place at the top of the ATP rankings at the end of the year can only be claimed by an individual. An honor that was last bestowed upon Rafael Nadal, who hibernated at the top of the ATP charts in 2019. All of these things have to be included in such an assessment if you want to choose a MAOAT (most accomplished of all time) - as Annacone would like to call his award as the greatest, best, most successful player of all time.