Paul Annacone's addition to Wawrinka's team a major challenge?

Tennis Channel’s Paul Annacone announces his addition to the Stan Wawrinka team, but it might have been more than he bargained for.

Paul Annacone joins Stan Wawrinka’s team.

For anyone that doesn’t know much of the history of Annacone, he’s not just one of the commentators and analysts of Tennis Channel TV cable station. Technically he’s that and a bit more.

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Back in the day, he was responsible for his coaching abilities and worked with Pete Sampras from 1995-2001, Britain’s Tim Henman, the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), the British Davis Cup Team and Roger Federer from 2010 to 2013.

Annacone has a history of helping players succeed on grass.

"He broke the news on a Tennis Channel segment saying “I had some conversations with Magnus and Stan and they asked if I would come on board and help those guys during the grass court season…”"

This seemed like an appropriate move being that ‘Stan the Man’ has won every grand slam title but Wimbledon. But ‘the proof has to be in the pudding’ now because the opening round of the Aegon Championships-‘The Queen’s Club’, Wawrinka dropped in straight sets 7-6, 7-5. The upset came from Spaniard Feliciano Lopez who is ranked No. 32.

What was bouncing around in Wawrinka’s mind was debated but it seems like Paul Annacone is making his appearance at the right time and right place.

"“I was flattered when I got the call…” Annacone smilingly said, at that time not knowing how urgent his help now may be needed. Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated and a part of the presence of Tennis Channel’s team also says “Talking about a career slam, Stan’s only missing one and it’s played on grass…”"

It is played on grass indeed but if Stan Wawrinka doesn’t start doing his homework with teachers Magnus Norman and head coach and Paul Annacone, at the end of the grass season he may be looking at a bagel for acquiring a grass court title.

"Stan Wawrinka has spoken highly of Annacone saying “…Paul’s experience speaks for itself having worked with some of the greatest…His knowledge can only better our understanding of the grass”."

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Wawrinka not only bowed out with a hard fight but it was also an upset a danger sign. It looks like Annacone’s seeing the caution lights and will partake in curtailing another upset if at all possible. ‘Stan the Man’ just has to buckle down and tend to what the grass techniques are all about. He should be fine, take advice well and just go for the grass to rake in that last grand slam that he’s lacking to his career–and that’s the Wimbledon title.

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Paul Annacone’s addition to Wawrinka’s team a major challenge?

By Gale Moorman | Jun 21, 2017

Tennis Channel’s Paul Annacone announces his addition to the Stan Wawrinka team, but it might have been more than he bargained for.

More from Lob and Smash