17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has confirmed that he has split with his coach Stefan Edberg after working with him for two years.
The two started working together in December 2013. The Swede is credited for reviving Federer’s game after he experienced an injury-plagued 2013 season where he lost in the second round at Wimbledon. Under the watchful eye of Edberg, Federer has won 11 titles and reached the final at three Grand Slam tournaments. The world No.2 has always expressed a lot of respect for Edberg, who won six Grand Slam titles himself. During this year’s Wimbledon championships, Federer spoke of his admiration for the Swede.
“I don’t want to say I am less nervous, but I am more comfortable around Stefan. When you spend time with someone you have looked up to your entire life, it’s a bit awkward in the beginning”. Federer said.
“You’re not quite sure what you’re allowed to ask, what you’re allowed to say, all these things. I think those fears are somewhat gone, even though every time he steps into the house, I am like I can’t believe it quite still, so it’s very cool”.
The announcement of the split was confirmed on Federer’s Facebook page. The 34-year-old will still work with his long-term coach Severin Luthi and has announced that he has enlisted the help of Ivan Ljubicic. Ljubicic has previously worked with Milos Raonic before they announced their separation last month.
“After 2 very successful years, I would like to thank Stefan Edberg, my childhood idol, for agreeing to join my team. It was a dream come true. Although it was supposed to only be for 2014, Stefan was great and agreed to extend the partnership through this year which I really appreciated. He taught me so much and his influence on my game will remain. He will always be a part of my team. Severin Luthi, who I have been working with since 2008, will continue to be my main coach and he will be joined by Ivan Ljubicic. Both Daniel Troxler, my physiotherapist and Pierre Paganini, my longtime fitness trainer, will remain part of my technical team”. Federer wrote.
Edberg has also released a press statement to the ATP World Tour. Describing his work with Federer as ‘two wonderful years’, Edberg has said that the reason for his departure is due to his ‘time commitment’. He also endorsed his former pupil for more Grand Slam success in the future.
“Roger and I had a wonderful two years together. When he originally approached me at the end of 2013, I committed to work with him for only a year. It became very clear from the start that this was going to be a special partnership, working with the greatest ambassador tennis has ever seen. It was exciting for me to be back out on tour and to see that the sport has made so much progress.
The quality of tennis today is stronger than it has ever been. After an amazing 2014, I decided to continue on for another year, but with a clear understanding that it would be my last year given the time commitment. I believe Roger still has a lot left to give to the sport of tennis and is capable of winning the big events. Roger and I will remain close friends and I will always feel part of the Federer team. I hope to try and come watch Roger play some tournaments in 2016.”
The birth of the Federer-Ljubicic era
Replacing Edberg will be 36-year-old Ljubicic. The Croat is familiar with Federer’s game after playing him 16 times on the ATP Tour between 2000-2010. Out of their 16 matches, Ljubicic only won three of them. He is no stranger to working with the best players on the tour. Since his retirement, the Croat has guided Milos Raonic to eight ATP Finals and the semi-finals at the 2014 Wimbledon Championships. He has also worked as Thomas Berdych’s manager.
There is a lot of mutual respect between the two men. Shortly after the Croat announced his retirement from the sport in 2012. Federer praised Ljubicic and his contribution to tennis.
“I have a very good friendship with Ljubicic,” Federer told the ATP Tour’s website in 2012. “It’s been sad seeing him retiring really since I’ve known about it for quite some time.
“He’s one of the most feared players on tour… He’s been a wonderful friend to me on tour, and it’s also been very beneficial to the game of tennis, not just on the court but off the court because he’s been part of the political system here”.
The first test for the new Federer-Ljubicic team will be at the Brisbane International on January 3rd where Federer is the defending champion.
