Paul Annacone has agreed to join Stan Wawrinka’s team for the 2017 grass court season. The American will join Wawrinka’s team and work in tandem with the US Open Champion’s existing coach Magnus Norman.
Annacone “ I had some conversations with Magnus and with Stan, and they asked if I would come and help those guys during the grass court season… Magnus has done an amazing job with Stan, they’ve had such a great road these last few years and I was really flattered when I got the call. For me its really about soaking up information from those guys, seeing how they work together and try and sprinkle some value during the grass court season.”
The former American player has carved out an impressive coaching career since retiring. He worked with Pete Sampras between 1995-2001, during some of the American’s most successful periods. He worked with Tim Henman during the latter stages of his career. He also worked with the LTA and the British Davis Cup team.
He also worked with Wawrinka’s compatriot Roger Federer between 2010-2013. Federer won the 2012 Wimbledon title under Annacone’s tutelage.
Grass has historically been Wawrinka’s weakest surface. His best effort at SW19 has been a pair of quarter-finals in 2014-2015. He lost to Roger Federer and then Richard Gasquet. He lost in the second round last year after a tough draw that saw him face former semi-finalist Juan Martin del Potro.
Wawrinka’s most successful period of his career has come from working with former Roland Garros finalist Magnus Norman. However, Norman never went beyond the third round at Wimbledon, and Annacone, who has a track record of helping players to success on grass will compliment the team.
