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What Stefan Edberg Can Bring to Roger Federer

Dec 28th 2013

Stefan Edberg

News that has raised eyebrows heading into the first tournament of the ATP season is the announcement of Roger Federer's new co-coach, Stefan Edberg.  Edberg's appointment joins another major  offseason coach announcement this week, when his fellow 1980s superstar Boris Becker was appointed as Novak Djokovic's coach. 

Federer's decision to hire Edberg is surprising not only because of the relatively late stage in his career but because of the direction where he seemingly intends to head with this new team. For Federer fans, it can be seen as an overwhelming positive and a strong indication that he is not yet giving up on consistently challenging leading rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. 

Federer, who also has announced that he is using a new, bigger racquet in 2014, is obviously looking to tweak elements in his game ahead of what will be another demanding season for the Swiss world No. 6. And what better way to ring in a new era than a new coach who was one of Federer's idols growing up?

Edberg will guide Federer along with current coach and Swiss Davis Cup coach Severin Luthi.  The Swedish retired star is best known for the serve-and-volley stylethat he essentially trademarked. Edberg was also well known for using deep kicking serves and placing more emphasis on tactical placement, accuracy and fitness instead of power in combating big-hitting players.  It seems likely that Federer has observed the resurgence of older players such as Tommy Haas in the past few years and decided to place more emphasis on variation, footwork, and fitness.  

It is no coincidence that Federer has appointed an expert serve-and-volleyer as his co-coach. The type of game on which Edberg built his career seems to be a game suited well to challenging the top men in 2014. Now that Federer can hit fellow top-10 players off the court from the baseline less often, Edberg's insights may offer the perfect antidote.  He will spend at least 10 weeks with Federer, starting in Melbourne next month.

Edberg's enlistment is a hugely positive step for Federer that will allow him to bring another dimension to his game late in his career.  Edberg was one of Federer's childhood idols and his admiration for the 48-year-old Swede can only add to the depth of Federer's team.  Thus, this arrangement has the potential to completely reinvigorate Federer as a tennis player.