‘Holy S**t’ – Roger Federer and Pete Sampras’ Former Coach Dishes Out Taylor Fritz’s Astonishment After Practicing Alongside Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal, during his prime and even now, is one of the most feared opponents on tour. When he is in form, almost every player on the circuit is worried about facing the Spaniard on any surface. While he has been beaten by many players, seeing his build and determination can always scare a player. Taylor Fritz was one player who once told the ex-coach of Roger Federer and Pete Sampras that he never wanted to face Nadal.

Although intimidated by his presence, Fritz is on the short list of players who have overcome Nadal in a final. In the 2022 Indian Wells Masters, an injured Nadal and Fritz faced off, with the American emerging victorious. 

Taylor Fritz on facing off against Rafael Nadal

In the Finding Mastery podcast, Paul Annacone, former coach of Federer and Sampras, talked about his time in the sport. He also discussed an incident he had with his current student, Taylor Fritz. The two began their partnership in 2018 when Fritz was 18. Under his tutelage, Fritz became a top 5 player.

When the 2018 Wimbledon was around the corner, Fritz found himself training next to Rafa. With strength being his major stat, Nadal hit menacing shots. Annacone remembered the incident and also what Fritz said when he saw Nadal hitting back-to-back balls.  

He said, “The first time Taylor Fritz practiced next to him at Wimbledon. This was when I first started with Taylor. David Nainkin, our coach and Rafa walked on the court and started hitting next to him. Two courts down until he looked at me and goes, “holy sh*t. I don’t ever want to play that guy”.“

Read more – ATP Makes a Blunder With Taylor Fritz’s Rankings Following His Win at Indian Wells 2022

As fate would have it, Fritz would face Nadal four times, winning once in the 2022 BNP Paribas Open. The final would become one match Fritz would never forget.

Fritz’s emotional winning speech

As the match ended with a score of 6-3, 7-6, Fritz came out as the champion over Rafa. He achieved a feat no one believed would happen. However, a straight-sets victory gave Fritz his only Master’s title. As he gave his speech, Fritz was teary-eyed as he said that winning against Nadal was a childhood dream come true. 

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Unfortunately for Fritz, that would be the one and only time he would win against Rafa. As it stands, the two players have a head-to-head of 3-1 in favor of the ‘King of Clay’. As Nadal has announced his plans to retire next year, Fritz would get very few chances, if any, to become the more dominant player in this rivalry.