Federer recruits Edberg for coaching team

Roger Federer has become the latest player to recruit a 1980s great, with Stefan Edberg joining the former world number one’s coaching team.

Federer invited six-time grand slam champion Edberg to work with him for a few days in Dubai earlier this month and the Swede hinted it could turn into something more permanent.

Now Federer has confirmed he will work with Edberg for a minimum of 10 weeks, starting at the Australian Open in two weeks’ time.

That will also be the first grand slam for the new pairing of Novak Djokovic and Boris Becker, while Andy Murray has won both his grand slam titles since appointing Ivan Lendl as his coach.

Federer said: “I am happy to announce that, beginning in Melbourne, Stefan Edberg will join Severin Luthi on my coaching team. 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 (with him) and learning from him.”