Roger Federer brings in Ivan Ljubicic as a coach as Stefan Edberg will no longer travel with the world No 3 next season

  • Stefan Edberg had been a part of Roger Federer's team since 2014Ā 
  • Edberg was originally meant to coach Swiss star for one year onlyĀ 
  • Federer thanks 'my childhood idol, for agreeing to join my team'Ā 

World No 3 Roger Federer has revealed a change in his coaching team for 2016, with Stefan Edberg replaced by Ivan Ljubicic.

Edberg joined head coach Severin Luthi in helping Federer battle with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in 2014, and originally only planned to stay on board for a year.

And the Swiss star has now announced that Edberg will not be travelling with him for the 2016 season.

Stefan Edberg (right) will no longer be travelling with Roger Federer, after two seasons with the Swiss star

Stefan Edberg (right) will no longer be travelling with Roger Federer, after two seasons with the Swiss star

Federer, the world No 3, thanked his 'childhood idol', who had been working with him since 2014

Federer, the world No 3, thanked his 'childhood idol', who had been working with him since 2014

In a statement on his Facebook page and website, he said: 'After 2 very successful years, I would like to thank Stefan Edberg, my childhood idol, for agreeing to join my team.Ā 

'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.Ā 

'Both Daniel Troxler, my physiotherapist and Pierre Paganini, my longtime fitness trainer, will remain part of my technical team.'

Ljubicic is a Croatian former World No 3, and played Federer 16 times in his 14-year career, before retiring in 2012. He won just three times.

Edberg was only supposed to work with the world No 3 for a single season, but the partnership lasted longer

Edberg was only supposed to work with the world No 3 for a single season, but the partnership lasted longer

Ivan Ljbuicic, who beat Federer just three times in their 16 meetings as players, will join the coaching team

Ivan Ljbuicic, who beat Federer just three times in their 16 meetings as players, will join the coaching team

Edberg released a statement to ATPWorldTour.com, saying: '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.Ā 

'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.Ā 

'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.'

Federer will make his 2016 debut at the Brisbane International, which begins January 3.


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