Ivan Ljubicic describes working with Roger Federer as nothing but a ‘privilege’. They were once used to being rivals and had played against each other 16 times in their careers. Although Federer had the upper hand in their H2H with a 13-3 margin, it was this 45-year-old Croatian who once came hand-in-hand with the Swiss Maestro to help him break the four-year jinx of now winning a Grand Slam title. He worked with Federer from 2016 to 2022. During that period, Ljubicic helped him add two AOs and one Wimbledon title to his illustrious trophy cabinet.

It is believed that it was Ivan Ljubicic who helped Roger Federer improve his backhand in the later stages of his career. He made Federer more offensive in his game style. Recalling his initial interactions with Roger Federer, Ljubicic said that it was a no-brainer for him to say yes when the Swiss tennis star knocked at his door with the offer. How was his relationship with Federer? “It’s a 2-way relationship, so for me, it was also super important. I myself learned many things from him, probably much more than he learned from me,” Ljubicic said in an interview with TV Monaco.

He further went on to add that they managed to win three grand slams. Federer became number one in the world. But, sadly, he had to end his career with an injury. “Everything we experienced together was super positive because he had a period from 2012 to 2017 where he didn’t win the grand slam. I think he’s the one who really deserves an end-of-career like that because a tennis legend. As you said, he deserves to have an end of a career with big titles,” Ivan Ljubicic added.

The Croatian had once revealed how difficult it is to work with the legends of the game. Just because they are already the best in the world. And they know exactly what they have to do to be the best. Ivan Ljubicic once said he had self-doubts, wondering what he could do for Federer. Whether he could add something to his game to make him even better. There were many such uncomfortable moments during his time with the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Here’s another one of them.

“I was hired because I was his friend”- Roger Federer’s ex-coach makes a bizarre claim

During an interview, Ivan Ljubicic recalled the initial phases of his coaching tenure with Roger Federer. He said, “The start was tough because, in the second tournament, he hurt his meniscus and had his first surgery, which was a blow (Wimbledon 2016). But at the same time, looking back, it was maybe a fortune for us to actually get time to work and get to know each other even better.” 

He further went on to add, “And then you just kind of go through. Of course, I had moments of discomfort where people thought that I was hired because I was his friend and stuff like this.” But after having spent almost six years with one of the best in the game, Ljubicic believes he’s quite grateful to make his tiny contribution to his humongous career.

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