Paul Annacone was the University of Tennessee’s first three-time All-American and a two-time SEC champion. In 1984, he was the Rolex National Indoor singles champion and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Player of the Year. His 1984 singles record of 51-3 is still the best in University of Tennessee history.
During his 14 years on the professional tour, Annacone won three ATP titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 12 in singles. With long-time partner Christo van Rensburg, he won the 1985 Australian Open and finished his career with 14 doubles titles. He was a member of the 1986 United States Davis Cup team versus Australia, partnering with Ken Flach in the doubles competition.
Annacone turned to coaching after his successful playing career and worked with some of the most esteemed and accomplished players ever to pick up a racquet. Alongside Pete Sampras for nine of his 14 Grand Slam Titles, Annacone was called “the court whisperer” by Sports Illustrated. Under his tutelage, Tim Henman saw his world ranking soar from No. 41 to a career-high of No. 4. It was also with Annacone as his coach that Roger Federer brought home two straight year-end ATP Championships in 2010 and 2011, buoying him back to the top ranking and earning his 7th Wimbledon title.
Annacone’s impact on the sport extended beyond individual players. He was Managing Director of the USTA’s High-Performance Program (2001-2003) and, in November 2006, was appointed to support Paul Hutchins, the then Head of Men’s Tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association. He was Great Britain’s Davis Cup coach from April 2008 to March 2010.
Annacone has shared his wisdom on players and the game worldwide as a commentator for the Tennis Channel and covering the Olympics for NBC. He has also worked with WTA rising star Sloane Stephens and three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka. Currently, he is coaching one of America’s best young tennis players, Taylor Fritz.
From his collegiate days as a three-time All-American to his successful playing career and esteemed coaching tenure, Paul Annacone has left an indelible mark on tennis. His ability to bring out the best in players and his deep understanding of the game have made him a respected figure in the tennis world.