Who Is Roger Federer’s Coach Ivan Ljubicic?

Roger Federer’s coach Ivan Ljubicic is not just an efficient and experienced trainer, but also a prolific former tennis player.

Ljubicic has played a crucial role in helping Roger Federer to navigate the last few years of his career. Not only jashe helped Federer to change his strategy with increasing age, he has allowed him to stay relevant.

First, let’s know more about Ljubicic as a tennis player.

How Was The Tennis Career Of Roger Federer’s Coach?

Ivan Ljubicic turned professional in the year 1998. However, he was great as a junior player. He reached the Auatralian open junior semi final in 1997 and also reached the finals of the Wimbledon in 1996.

He was coached by Novak Djokovic’s former and Maria Sharapova’s current coach Riccardo Piatti.

Ljubicic’s career highlights include reaching a Grand Slam final at the 2006 French Open. He has also won an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title at the Indian Wells Masters in 2020.He has reached 3 other finals in Madrid, Paris and Miami.

However, his single greatest achievement was reaching a career high ranking of 3 in the ATP rankings in 2006.

Ljubicic played the last tournament of his professional career at Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters in April, 2012. He ended his career by losing in the first round to Ivan Dodig 6-0,6-3.

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How Was Ivan Ljubicic’s Coaching Career?

Milos Raonic was the first player to be coached by Ivan Ljubicic. Under his guidance, Raonic reached his first masters final in Toronto. He also broke into the top 10 rankings in 2014.

His biggest opportunity as a coach came with his old rival and the former world no 1- Roger Federer.

Federer underwent knee surgery immediately after his second tournament with Ljubic. However, Ljubicic earmed his first grand slam as a coach with Roger Federer’s Australian Open victory in 2017. Under Ljubicic, Federer got his first victory against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open. In the same year, Roger Federer also claimed his 19th grand slam title at Wimbledon.

Federer was able to defend his Australian Open crown under Ljubicic in 2018.

Ivan Ljubicic is credited with Federer’s improved backhand,especially evident on high shots, and tactical change of taking shots much earkier, taking more time, pace, and rhythm off his opponents.  Federer’s game also became more offensive.

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Ivan Ljubicic will certainly have an increasingly important role with Roger Federer’s career winding up. He will certainly look to get him another grand slam. It remains to be seen if Ivan Ljubicic can pen another success story.