(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Stefan Edberg called Roger Federer “an artist” as he still fondly remembers the time when he was coaching the Swiss tennis icon. Edberg, a former six-time Grand Slam champion, joined Federer’s coaching staff before the start of the 2014 season.
Federer won five titles in 2014, before capturing six the following year. After the 2015 season ended, Federer decided to end his partnership with Edberg and add Ivan Ljubicic to his coaching staff. Reflecting on his experience of working with Federer, Edberg admitted it was “very special to be around” the Swiss tennis icon.
Edberg recounts his time with Federer
“Well, it was a fantastic opportunity. It was a great experience. It was a fantastic journey for two years. I never thought I’d be coach anyway ever but I had the opportunity to get to know Roger and yes to see how much the tennis has actually changed since I stopped playing in the 90’s.
So, tennis has really progressed. We have a lot of respect for each other. I love the way Roger plays tennis like a lot of other people around the world do. He’s an artist on court and very special to watch. It was very special to be around him and see how professional he is and see how things work nowadays to how it was back in my days,” Edberg said on the ATP Tennis Radio Podcast, via Sportskeeda.
In 2015, Federer made the Rome Masters final before losing to Novak Djokovic. Edberg, who is in Rome for this year’s tournament edition, enjoys being back to the Italian city. “It is a great feeling coming back to Rome again.
I have quite a few memories from here and it is a great place to play tennis with a lot of tradition,” Edberg said. Meanwhile, Federer has been retired from pro tennis since September.
