Roger Federer parts ways with coach Stefan Edberg

Tennis star Roger Federer has announced he has ended his partnership with coach Stefan Edberg, with Ivan Ljubicic taking on the role for 2016.

Swiss Davis Cup captain Severin Luthi has been the 34-year-old’s main coach since 2008, but Edberg came on board to assist for 2014 with Federer struggling for form.

The Swede, who Federer says was his idol growing up, was widely credited for improving the 17-time Grand Slam champion’s fortunes over the last two years, helping the Swiss regain some of his trademark silky attacking skills.

Federer announced the news on Facebook on Wednesday, stating that the partnership was only initially meant to last for one year.

“After two very successful years, I would like to thank Stefan Edberg, my childhood idol, for agreeing to join my team.

It was a dream come true. Although it was supposed to only be for 2014, Stefan was great and agreed to extend the partnership through this year, which I really appreciated.

Roger Federer of Switzerland (L) speaks with his coach Stefan Edberg during a practice session at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London July 5, 2014. © Toby Melville © Reuters

He taught me so much and his influence on my game will remain. He will always be a part of my team.”

Edberg also commented on the duo parting ways and was full of praise for his former charge.

“It became very clear from the start that this was going to be a special partnership, working with the greatest ambassador tennis has ever seen,” the Swede said in a statement to the ATP.

“It was exciting for me to be back out on tour and to see that the sport has made so much progress. After an amazing 2014, I decided to continue on for another year, but with a clear understanding that it would be my last year given the time commitment.

“I believe Roger still has a lot left to give to the sport of tennis and is capable of winning the big events.”

Federer failed to win a Grand Slam during the time that Edberg was on his coaching team, but reached the finals of the 2014 and 2015 Wimbledon competitions and the 2015 US Open - losing all three to Novak Djokovic.

Despite this, the Swiss star added 11 trophies to his collection while working with the 49-year-old Swede, including six during 2015.

Federer confirmed physiotherapist Daniel Troxler and fitness trainer Pierre Paganini would continue in his technical team.

New coach Ljubicic, 36, reached a career high of third in the world rankings and won 10 ATP titles.