Roger Federer: Paul Annacone explains key difference between Swiss star and Rafael Nadal
ROGER FEDERER’s former coach Paul Annacone has explained the Swiss star doesn't get injured as much as Rafa Nadal because he exerts less energy and effort when he plays.
Tennis: Rafael Nadal speaks out on injury in Brisbane
The two tennis greats have been each other’s biggest rivals over the years and share 37 Grand Slams between them.
Rafael Nadal, though, has spent portions of his career on the sidelines through numerous knee injuries.
Roger Federer, on the other hand, is known for playing the game with such ease and elegance, and rarely has to deal with injuries.
Annacone was Federer’s full-time coach for two years, helping him win his seventh Wimbledon title in the process.
And the American has spoken about why his former client tends to stay fitter than his rival Nadal.
“A couple of things: one is the way he [Federer] plays and moves is very natural,” he told Tennis World USA, when asked about the duo's contrasting injury records.
“While looking at other players like Rafa, they put so much energy, so much effort, which is very difficult to sustain because it takes so much power of your body.
“It's a difficult answer.”
The 20-time Grand Slam winner is also known for his longevity in the sport, still playing at the top of his game at the age of 37.
Annacone also notes that the way Federer has taken care of his health over the years, has also helped.
“Roger takes care of his body, he is very talented and he has a great physical trainer, Pierre Paganini, who has done a great job,” he added.
“All these things combined contributed to amazing longevity.”
Roger Federer: I am happy with my fitness right now
Federer and Nadal will once again take to the courts when the Australian Open begins on January 15.
Nadal will be hoping to pull off an upset when the tournament starts, having undergone surgery on his ankle in November.
Nadal noted that he “didn’t feel pain at all” when he faced Nick Kyrgios in Fast4 action on Monday evening.
And when asked about the likeliness of him winning a second Australian Open, the Spaniard seemed confident.
"Why not?,” he said. “The big importance is I am feeling good with the ball".