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Roger Federer parts ways with coach Stefan Edberg

Ivan Ljubicic takes over after two-year spell with Swede which saw 11 tournament wins

Roger Federer has parted ways with coach Stefan Edberg. Photograph: PA
Roger Federer has parted ways with coach Stefan Edberg. Photograph: PA
Wed Dec 09 2015 - 09:45

Roger Federer has split from his coach Stefan Edberg, the pair announced on Tuesday night.

The world number three has been working with Edberg for two years, during which time he has won 11 tournaments including three top-level ATP Masters 1000 events.

Both men specified that the partnership was initially intended to be for the 2014 season alone. Edberg will be replaced on Federer's coaching team by Croatian former professional Ivan Ljubicic, working alongside long-time coach Severin Luthi.

Federer wrote in a statement on his website and Facebook page: “After two 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.

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“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 long-time fitness trainer, will remain part of my technical team."

Federer failed to add to his haul of 17 grand slam titles while working with Edberg but has reached three finals and two semi-finals and has been runner-up at the World Tour Finals in both of their seasons together.

A statement from Edberg on the website of the ATP Tour read: “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.

“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.”