Roger Federer’s successful partnership with Stefan Edberg is over, with the Swiss master adding Croat Ivan Ljubicic to his 2016 coaching team. Edberg has been credited with revitalising the former world No.1 and adding an innovative attacking edge to his game since the pair joined forces in late 2013.
But Federer says while his childhood idol will forever remain welcome on his team, Edberg will no longer travel with the 17-times grand slam champion.
“After two very successful years, I would like to thank Stefan Edberg, my childhood idol, for agreeing to join my team,” Federer posted on his website on Wednesday. “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.”
Federer said Swiss Davis Cup captain Severin Luthi, who has been working with the 34-year-old since 2008, will continue to serve as his main coach, with Ljubicic to assist. “Both Daniel Troxler, my physiotherapist and Pierre Paganini, my long-time fitness trainer, will remain part of my technical team,” he said.
Although he failed to add to his record 17 grand slam titles during his stint with Edberg, Federer accrued 11 trophies while honing his silky game with the Swede, including six in 2015. Edberg also guided Federer to the 2014 and 2015 Wimbledon finals, as well as this year’s US Open decider, with the Swiss losing all three championship matches to world No.1 Novak Djokovic. Edberg released a statement to the ATP thanking Federer for what he described as a “wonderful two years”.
“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,” the six-times grand slam champion said.
“It was exciting for me to be back out on tour and to see that the sport has made so much progress. 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.”
