Federer says the recent appointment of Stefan Edberg to his coaching staff is an indication he still has the desire to compete at the top level. PHOTO: AFP
PARIS:
Roger Federer became the latest marquee player to exploit tennis’s rich heritage when he named former world number one and six-time major winner Stefan Edberg as part of his coaching team.
Federer, the record 17-time Grand Slam title winner, described Edberg as his ‘childhood hero’ and revealed that the Swede will work with him and coach Severin Luthi for 10 weeks starting at the Australian Open.
Edberg had been hitting with Federer over the winter as the Swiss gears up for what could be a make-or-break season.
“I am happy to announce that beginning in Melbourne, Stefan Edberg will join Severin Luthi on my coaching team,” said Federer.
“Severin, who has been part of my team for the last seven years, will do most of the weeks and Stefan has agreed to work with us for at least 10 weeks starting at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
“Stefan was my childhood hero, and I am really looking forward to spending time and learning from him.”
Edberg won the Australian Open in 1985 and 1987, Wimbledon in 1988 and 1990 and back-to-back US Opens in 1991 and 1992.
“I’m really excited to be part of Roger’s team and I hope together we can bring out his best tennis,” said Edberg.
Federer fit and confident ahead of Australian Open
Federer said Saturday his confidence was up and his body energised as he prepares for the 2014 season.
Touching down in Australia on Saturday, where he will play at the Brisbane International from next week, Federer said he had had a rare off-season free of niggling injuries and was looking forward to challenging the world’s best.
“I didn’t play any exhibitions which allowed me to train extremely hard and for a longer period of time,” he said.
“My goals are pretty simple for Brisbane and Melbourne – you want to do as well as you can and get into the groove again.
“After that I will look at my goals regarding rankings and tournament wins, but they are pretty much going to be the same – I want to be part of the best.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 29th, 2013.
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