Breaking News: He’s “not normal.” – Ex-coach sends touching tribute to Rafael Nadal after retirement

While speaking on the ‘Tennis Channel Inside-In’ podcast, Roger Federer’s ex-coach Paul Annacone talked about Nadal’s retirement. He said that people should “tip their caps” to the 22-time Grand Slam champion due to what he achieved in his professional playing career.

“When you build up a resume like he has for two decades and you see what he’s been able to accomplish and you add that to the way he’s been able to accomplish it, you just have to tip the cap and realize now you’re seeing an aberration,” Annacone said.

Annacone described Rafael Nadal as an extraordinary player, someone who is “not normal.” He also talked about the Spaniard winning 14 French Open titles, an accomplishment which he labeled “comical.”

“You’re seeing someone that is just not normal and people can’t compare themselves. And I always say do not compare yourself to all-time greats because they’re just different. To think that he was able to win 14 Roland Garros titles is almost comical,” he continued.

The American stated that Nadal playing his final match at home in Spain was “fitting.”

“You see almost everything else that he’s done, I think it was really fitting that he was able to finish at home in Spain. I think it’s been such a tough go of it for him the last couple of years, especially with the injuries because he couldn’t get the match reps in. He’s one of these players that needs match reps. He plays better with more volume but that also breaks his body down,” Paul Annacone said.

Paul Annacone also mentioned that the 38-year old’s achievements are “awe inspiring.”

“So it was a tough go the last few years. I’m such a huge fan and there’s so many great moments to sit back and look at and just that are so awe inspiring. So I think we’re going to have plenty of time to sit back and relish everything he’s done,” Annacone added