As a young tennis player living in Miami, I’m always fascinated by the stories of legends who have shaped the sport. One such legend is Roger Federer, and his journey with coach Ivan Ljubicic is truly inspiring. Let’s dive into their story and explore how they achieved greatness together.
Roger Federer’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication and resilience. After retiring in 2022, his legacy continues to inspire players around the world. One of the most significant moments in his career came when he teamed up with Ivan Ljubicic, his coach from 2015 to 2016. This partnership led to some of the most memorable victories of Federer’s career.
Ivan Ljubicic, a former world No. 3, joined Federer’s team after Stefan Edberg’s contract ended in 2015. Ljubicic was initially surprised by the invitation but quickly accepted the challenge. In an interview with Eurosport, Ljubicic shared how Federer asked him if he believed the Swiss star could still win Grand Slams after a four-year drought. Ljubicic’s confidence in Federer’s abilities was clear: “I said ‘absolutely’… ‘I also said I wasn’t signing up for just one Grand Slam, I said I’d like to win several.'”[1][3]
Their first major victory together was at the 2017 Australian Open, where Federer defeated Rafael Nadal in a thrilling five-set final. This match was particularly special for Ljubicic as it marked one of the most emotional moments of his coaching career. He recalled, “I’m proud and happy about this match against Nadal, because he was 3-1 down in the 5th set. To come back and win the match was very special for me. It was the most emotional moment as a coach, but almost as a player for Roger.”[3]
Federer’s victory at the 2017 Australian Open was not only a testament to his skills but also a significant milestone in his career. It marked his fifth Australian Open title and his first Grand Slam win in four and a half years. This achievement was all the more impressive given that Federer had been seeded 17th in Melbourne and had missed half of the previous season due to a knee injury.[3]
The partnership between Federer and Ljubicic continued to yield great results. They went on to win another Grand Slam title at Wimbledon later that year. This victory solidified Federer’s status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and showcased Ljubicic’s impact as a coach.
Despite their successes, Ljubicic has also shared about the challenges they faced. In an interview with Eurosport, he mentioned that while Federer was “perfect” in almost every way, they did experience difficult times mentally. “We’ve also had some complicated times,” Ljubicic admitted. “Everyone thinks that everything is easy for Roger, but we’ve had some complicated times.”[1]
The ATP has also been exploring ways to enhance fan experience and keep players engaged. ATP Chief Andrea Gaudenzi recently discussed with Roger Federer about potentially shifting back to best-of-five-set matches in Masters 1000 finals. This move could restore some of the traditional glory of tennis and keep fans entertained as the “Big 3” nears its end.[2]
As I reflect on this story, it’s clear that the journey between Federer and Ljubicic was not just about winning titles but also about overcoming challenges and believing in each other’s abilities. Their partnership is a reminder that even in the most competitive sport, teamwork and trust can lead to incredible achievements.
If you want, you can check out the news where I found it here.
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