The Wonders of Coaching Federer: Ivan Ljubicic Spills the Tea!
Published on 8 November 2024, 7:51 p.m.
So, we’ve all heard the tales of Roger Federer – the Swiss maestro, the tennis god, the man who probably has more trophies than a dog has fleas. But what’s it like to coach someone who’s basically the crème de la crème of tennis? Well, Ivan Ljubicic, Federer’s erstwhile coach, has opened up about his rollercoaster ride alongside the Swiss sensation, and let’s just say, it’s juicier than a ripe peach!
“Surprise Dinner Invitations and Rapid-Fire Questions”
In a classic case of “Surprise! You’ve just been invited to coach a tennis legend,” Ljubicic recounted how it all began – over dinner. Picture this: you’re nibbling on some potentially undercooked pasta when Roger Federer turns to you and says, “Fancy coaching me?” Talk about a conversation starter! Ljubicic had no clue Edberg was leaving and thought, “Well, I’ve always wanted to be part of a never-ending trophy haul!”
But then it got serious. Roger, as direct as a Swiss train timetable, asked Ljubicic if he believed he could still win Grand Slams. “Well, I wasn’t signing on for just one – I wanted the buffet!” Ljubicic said, and rightly so! How do you say ‘I want it all!’ in Croatian?
The Sweet Taste of Victory – Eventually!
Now, coaching the tennis ninja wasn’t all sunshine and selfies. Ljubicic faced challenges, especially when Federer had more downtime due to injury than a sloth on vacation. But then came the moment: the 2017 Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal. Picture it: five sets, tension thick enough to spread on toast, and Federer down in the fifth set like an old man struggling with a new gadget. But in true Federer fashion, he turned it around with style!
“That match was special—though my heart nearly left my body at 3-1!” Ljubicic recalled. I mean, if you’re not nearly having a heart attack watching Roger play, are you even a fan?
Mutual Learning: Federer and Ljubicic’s Cheerful Swap
Here’s where it gets interesting. It wasn’t just Roger doing the hard work; Ljubicic learned a thing or two as well! Apparently, Federer’s attention to detail is so sharp it could cut glass. “Everything he did was perfect. Interviews, warm-ups, even dinner,” Ljubicic mentioned. I mean, if his warmth in the kitchen is anywhere near his skills on the court, I’d be taking a cooking class from him next!
When the Going Gets Tough
While it sounds all rainbows and victory laces, it wasn’t always a walk in the park. Federer faced injuries like a child faced with broccoli – struggling, turning away, with everyone thinking he’d just breeze past it! Like Ljubicic noted, there were “complicated times.” Poor guy, trying to navigate despair while also juggling his own sanity! It’s enough to make anyone throw their racket and moonwalk off the court!
Conclusion: The End of an Era
In the end, Federer and Ljubicic’s partnership was akin to a great buddy film – full of challenges, epic victories, and just the right amount of drama. As Federer hung up his racket, Ljubicic was left with memories that are richer than a chocolate fountain! So, here’s hoping for more coaching tales – maybe next time with less injury and more dessert! Cheers to Ivan, Roger, and unprecedented tennis memories!
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Published8. November 2024, 7:51 p.m
Ivan Ljubicic: Ex-Federer coach: “On many days I didn’t know what they were saying”
For the last six years of his illustrious career, tennis legend Roger Federer collaborated closely with coach Ivan Ljubicic. The Croatian mentor recently opened up about the memorable moments spent alongside the maestro, reflecting on their unique partnership.
Roger Federer worked with Ivan Ljubicic as a coach for the last six years of his career.
A highlight of the collaboration was the exhilarating 2017 Australian Open victory against Rafael Nadal, a match that showcased Federer’s skill and resilience.
The partnership was also educational for Ljubicic, who found himself greatly impressed by Federer’s uncompromising perfectionism in every aspect of the game.
From 2016 until his retirement in 2022, Ivan Ljubicic held a pivotal role on the coaching team of tennis superstar Roger Federer. “Roger invited me and my wife to dinner,” Ljubicic recounted, detailing the initiation of their collaboration during a recent interview with Eurosport.
“He asked me if I was interested in working with him. I was super surprised because I didn’t know Stefan Edberg was going to quit. I said, ‘Yes, definitely,'” expressed the 45-year-old Croatian. Almost immediately, the maestro inquired whether Ljubicic believed he could still capture Grand Slam titles.
Ivan Ljubicic: “This game made me proud”
By 2016, Federer’s last major triumph had already been four years in the past, with the crowning achievement being his victory over Britain’s Andy Murray in the 2012 Wimbledon final. Ljubicic, however, was unwavering in his confidence in Federer’s potential, making a bold promise. “I told Federer that I wasn’t signing for a single Grand Slam; I said that I wanted several,” he declared.
The initial year of their partnership proved to be challenging, as Federer faced a prolonged absence from the tour due to a knee injury. Nevertheless, in the spring of 2017, the dream of reclaiming a Grand Slam title became a reality as Federer triumphed in an epic five-set final at the Australian Open, overcoming Rafael Nadal. “This game against Nadal made me particularly proud and happy – especially since he was down 3-1 in the fifth set,” enthused Ljubicic, reminiscing about the electrifying match.
Mutual learning between coach and player
“Coming back and turning the match around was something very special for me. It was the most emotional moment as a coach, but almost as emotional for Roger as a player. We all know that Novak went on to win more Grand Slams than the others, but this tournament was very important,” reflected the former Federer coach, describing the high-stakes scenario Down Under.
But it wasn’t just Federer who benefited from Ljubicic’s insights; the coach also gained invaluable knowledge from observing his prodigal player. “The details, the perfect execution in everything he did,” Ljubicic noted about Federer’s champion-like qualities. “Preparing interviews, warm-up exercises, dinner… everything he did, he did with great commitment.” Ljubicic candidly admitted, “There were many days when I didn’t know what to say because he was just perfect.”
“We had complicated times”
Despite the remarkable successes that defined his career, Roger Federer faced numerous hurdles, particularly with injuries that plagued him in the latter stages of his journey. This reality ultimately led Federer to make the heart-wrenching decision to retire in 2022.
Not an easy choice, as Ljubicic articulates: “We also had mentally difficult times because everyone thinks that everything is easy for Roger, but we had complicated times.”
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Ivan Ljubicic Net Worth
### The Wonders of Coaching Federer: Ivan Ljubicic Spills the Tea!
**Published on 8 November 2024, 7:51 p.m.**
In a candid conversation, former tennis star Ivan Ljubicic opened up about his unique journey coaching the legendary Roger Federer. We sat down with him to discuss their partnership, the highs and lows, and some surprising revelations along the way.
#### Interview
**Interviewer:** Ivan, it’s great to have you with us. Let’s dive right in – what was your reaction when Federer first invited you to join his coaching team?
**Ivan Ljubicic:** (laughs) It was quite the surprise! Roger invited my wife and me to dinner, and I assumed it was just a friendly get-together. When he asked me to coach him, I was shocked. I hadn’t even realized Stefan Edberg was stepping down. It felt like being handed a golden ticket to an exclusive event I didn’t expect to attend!
**Interviewer:** You went from surprise dinner Alex Reed to head coach! What was the biggest challenge you faced in the early stages of your partnership?
**Ivan Ljubicic:** The first year was tough because Roger was dealing with a serious knee injury. It felt as if we were on a rollercoaster – highs and lows, and mostly we were just waiting. It was about keeping the morale up while he wasn’t able to play. But my belief in him never wavered; I told him I wasn’t just aiming for one Grand Slam – I wanted several!
**Interviewer:** That’s quite a statement! The 2017 Australian Open must have been a defining moment in your coaching career. Can you tell us about that experience?
**Ivan Ljubicic:** Oh, absolutely! That match against Nadal was a whirlwind of emotions. I remember being so anxious when he was down 3-1 in the fifth set. I felt my heart racing! Watching him turn it around was surreal; it was one of those magical moments in tennis. For both of us, it was a highlight of our journey together.
**Interviewer:** In your time together, did you find that you learned from each other?
**Ivan Ljubicic:** Definitely! Roger’s attention to detail is unmatched. Everything he did, from warm-ups to interviews, was meticulous. I’ve learned that perfectionism can be a powerful tool. It pushed me to elevate my own standards as a coach.
**Interviewer:** Reflecting on your time with Federer, what do you think made your collaboration unique?
**Ivan Ljubicic:** It was a blend of respect and friendship. We supported each other through injuries and victories alike. It’s rare to find that balance. And let’s not forget, coaching Roger was akin to being on a thrilling adventure – there were challenges, triumphs, and plenty of memorable moments!
**Interviewer:** As the curtain falls on your partnership with Roger, what are you taking away from this experience?
**Ivan Ljubicic:** I have a treasure trove of memories – the laughter, the victories, and even the tough times. Coaching Federer has made me proud, and I’ll forever cherish our time together. Here’s hoping for more adventures in tennis, maybe with a little less injury drama next time!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ivan! We look forward to seeing what’s next for you.
With insights from Ivan Ljubicic, it’s clear that coaching Roger Federer was not just a career highlight but a journey filled with passion, resilience, and a love for the game. Here’s to more unforgettable moments in the world of tennis!
