Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Stefan Edberg will step aside after two years as coaching advisor while Ivan Ljubicic will come aboard as Roger Federer announced changes to his team prior to the start of the 2016 ATP season. The Swiss world No. 3, just back from a post-season holiday, broke the news on his website.

The 34-year-old said that former Swedish great Edberg had originally signed on for one year at the start of 2014 but agreed to also help during 2015. Ljubicic recently split with Canadian Milos Ranoic.

Federer said: “After 2 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.

“He taught me so much and his influence on my game will remain. He will always be a part of my team. Severin Luthi, who I have been working with since 2008, will continue to be my main coach and he will be joined by Ivan Ljubicic. Both Daniel Troxler, my physiotherapist and Pierre Paganini, my longtime fitness trainer, will remain part of my technical team.”

Edberg explained the complicated situation to the ATP website: “Roger and I had a wonderful two years together.  When he originally approached me at the end of 2013, I committed to work with him for only a year.  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.  It was exciting for me to be back out on tour and to see that the sport has made so much progress.

“The quality of tennis today is stronger than it has ever been.  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. Roger and I will remain close friends and I will always feel part of the Federer team.  I hope to try and come watch Roger play some tournaments in 2016.”

Federer will start 2016 in Brisbane International from January 3, where he is defending the title.

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.