Federer Might Be Using Edberg For Coaching Advice

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 18th December 2013

Federer Might Be Using Edberg For Coaching Advice

epa00738265 Roger Federer of Switzerland regards the runners-up trophy he received from tennis veteran Stefan Edberg following defeat at the hands of Rafael Nadal of Spain in the men's final of the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, Sunday 11 June 2006. EPA/CHRISTOPHE KARABA |

Roger Federer appears to be quietly dropping the hint that former Swedish great Stefan Edberg could be the man to give him coaching advice as the Swiss prepares to opening what he hopes is a recovering 2014 season after the disaster which was 2013.

After winning just one title last season – but ending on a relative high note with a Basel final and semis in Paris and London – Federer flew the 47-year-old Swede down to Dubai last week for some informal training sessions. Swiss tabloid Le Matin reported that the working group included Federer’s regular coach Severin Luthi and fellow player Michael Lammer.

While giving nothing away, Federer told the newspaper: “He (Edberg) brought a freshness to the court and he came down here because he wanted to. So who knows … there may be something to learn from it for next year. Maybe he can join us somewhere.”

Federer is preparing to fly to Australia for his first appearance at the Brisbane ATP event starting next weekend, his only official preparation for the January 13 start of the Australian Open. Edberg has never gone near a coaching position since retiring from tennis.

And Federer was also quick to point out that Edberg. who lives in Sweden, could well serve for something like “inspiration,” should anything come to pass between the pair. “Seve is my coach and is super good job. He spends 35 weeks with me, that’s almost a full-time coach. I’m very pleased with him. But if you can add a little something. Why not? ”

Federer said that Edberg was pleased go to Dubai for the training sessions. “I had contacted a few weeks ago to ask if he could consider spending a little time with us. He was my idol but has not been a coach over the past 15 years since retirement). But he still plays three times a week.

“We couldn’t meet up at any tournaments, and eventually we thought it was better to wait and let him come here, away from everything. It was interesting for me and Seve, for whom he was also an idol. To spend time with him was pretty amazing actually.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, Atp, Michael Lammer, Roger Federer, Severin Luthi, Stefan Edberg, Tennis, Tennis News