Life often surprises us with unexpected opportunities that can change our course forever. In sports, these serendipitous encounters hold the potential to reshape destinies and create remarkable legacies. Such was the case for former tennis star Ivan Ljubicic when he unexpectedly found himself coaching one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game, Roger Federer.

In a candid revelation, Ljubicic shed light on how this momentous coaching partnership came to be during the ATP Finals in 2015. Little did he know that a casual dinner conversation would lead to an extraordinary journey alongside the Swiss maestro.

Ivan Ljubicic recalls how a dinner changed everything

Recently, Ivan Ljubicic shed light on how he got into coaching one of the best players to have ever graced the game. “It was in London at the ATP Finals (2015). I commented for Sky, and the four of us had dinner. My wife and Mirka were there too,” recalls Ljubicic in the interview.

Amidst the electric atmosphere of the tournament, Ljubicic, known for his insightful commentary, found himself alongside Federer, his wife, Mirka Federer, and a few others at a dinner gathering. As the conversation flowed and the night progressed, little did Ljubicic anticipate that this casual and convivial setting would set the stage for a pivotal turning point in his coaching career.

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“The mood was relaxed; we chatted about this and that, and towards the end, he asked me, ‘Would you like to coach me?'” he reveals. The question took Ljubicic by surprise as he wasn’t prepared for this opportunity at all. He had no inkling that Federer was considering parting ways with his then-coach Stefan Edberg.

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Ljubicic and Roger Federer share a bond beyond coaching

With the surprise proposal accepted, Ljubicic began his coaching journey with Federer, but little did he know that this partnership would extend far beyond the realms of tennis. Asked if he misses coaching him, Ljubicic responded, “No, I still see him quite often. Now we spend family time together. What I miss is the time with him at the tournaments. Winning matches and tournaments, breaking records, being part of something big.”

However, coaching a legend like Federer came with its fair share of pressures and stresses. Ljubicic says, “What I don’t miss is the stress in the first week of a Grand Slam, the pressure that weighs on you. In the first week, you can’t win anything, you can only lose everything.” After parting ways with Federer as his coach, Ljubicic deliberately chose less stressful activities to allow himself time to recover and rejuvenate. “I consider myself lucky that we are friends. We were that before, and we still are that now.”

Ivan Ljubicic’s remarkable journey from a seasoned tennis player to a trusted coach for Roger Federer exemplifies the wonders of unexpected opportunities in the world of sports. A simple dinner conversation turned into a life-changing experience, forging a bond that transcended the courts and evolved into a cherished friendship.

While Ljubicic may have moved on to a less stressful phase in his career, the memories of coaching the legendary Federer will forever be with him. Indeed, in sports and life, the unexpected can often lead to the most extraordinary adventures.

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