Roger Federer’s illustrious career is a tale of talent, perseverance, and partnerships that helped shape one of the most extraordinary legacies in tennis history. Among the key chapters in this story is his collaboration with coach Ivan Ljubičić, a partnership that injected new life into Federer’s game in the twilight years of his career, resulting in a series of remarkable achievements.

Federer, already a legend by the time Ljubičić joined his team in late 2016, was experiencing a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent results. Although Federer had amassed 17 Grand Slam titles by then, the emergence of fierce rivals like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal—along with younger competitors—posed significant hurdles. Enter Ivan Ljubičić, a former Croatian professional who himself was once ranked as high as world number 3. Ljubičić brought a fresh perspective to Federer’s game, blending his tactical intelligence with an understanding of the modern game’s physical demands.

One of the earliest and most memorable successes of their partnership was the 2017 Australian Open. Federer, then 35 years old, was not considered a favorite to triumph, especially given the grueling competition. Yet, under Ljubičić’s guidance, Federer served up a masterclass in resilience and skill, defeating Marin Čilić in an enthralling five-set final. This win was monumental—it marked Federer’s 18th Grand Slam title and his first major victory since 2012. The triumph at Melbourne wasn’t merely about reclaiming a trophy; it was a powerful statement that Federer still belonged at the pinnacle of the sport.

Grass courts were another arena where the duo excelled. Their work culminated in a historic eighth Wimbledon title in 2017, a record-breaking feat that further solidified Federer’s status as the “King of Grass.” The All England Club victory was lauded as a milestone—not only because it showcased Federer’s enduring grace and athleticism but also because it expressed the effective synergy between coach and player. Federer himself referred to this Wimbledon win as “the icing on the cake” during a prolific final stage of his career. This victory was particularly poignant, resounding as a testament to dedication and the power of adaptation amid the natural decline athletes face with age.

Their partnership reached another zenith at the 2018 Australian Open, where Federer claimed his 20th Grand Slam title. At 36, he became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam singles title in the Open Era, a record that speaks volumes about his longevity and competitive spirit. Ljubičić’s role in crafting strategic plays and providing emotional support was crucial throughout this period. His ability to tailor coaching methods to Federer’s evolving style—combining aggressive baseline play with efficient net approaches—offered Federer the tactical edge necessary to outwit younger opponents.

Federer’s resurgence wasn’t limited to Grand Slams. Between 2016 and 2019, under Ljubičić’s guidance, Federer added 15 tour-level titles to his resume, demonstrating that age alone could not undermine his excellence. He also reclaimed the world number one ranking briefly in 2018, showcasing that he could still compete at the highest levels in one of tennis’s most fiercely competitive eras. This achievement was all the more impressive considering the relentless baseline power and physicality brought by rivals. Federer’s versatility and timing—skills carefully honed with Ljubičić—gave him a unique advantage.

Historically, Federer’s career trajectory has been shaped by pivotal decisions around coaching. Before Ljubičić, Federer had successful alliances, notably with Peter Lundgren, Tony Roche, and Paul Annacone, each bringing differing expertise. However, Ljubičić’s appointment was distinctive, marking a shift in how Federer approached strategy and preparation. Ljubičić’s prior experience as a player who thrived on an aggressive serve-and-volley game complemented Federer’s all-court style—this blend of experience and style paid off spectacularly. Their collaboration epitomized mutual respect and trust, essential ingredients for any successful athlete-coach relationship.

Federer’s final ATP title, won on home soil at the Swiss Indoors in Basel in 2019, was a fitting curtain call to this golden chapter. Defeating Diego Schwartzman in an enthralling three-set match, Federer rounded off an astonishing career total of 103 ATP titles. These include his 20 Grand Slam championships—eight at Wimbledon, six at the Australian Open, five at the US Open, and one at the French Open—making him one of the most decorated players in tennis history. This Swiss Indoors victory was especially emotional, as Federer honored his hometown crowd with a performance that epitomized his artistry and competitive fire until the very end.

Beyond trophies, Federer’s influence extends globally. His grace on and off the court, sportsmanship, and philanthropic endeavors have made him a beloved figure worldwide. His calm demeanor during high-pressure moments contrasted with his fierce competitive spirit, contributing to his nickname as “FedEx” for delivering under pressure. The Federer-Ljubičić era symbolized not just wins, but evolution, demonstrating how adaptation and teamwork can prolong and elevate greatness.

In conclusion, Roger Federer’s partnership with Ivan Ljubičić was the ace up his sleeve during the final chapters of his career. Their combined skills, strategic insight, and mutual respect helped Federer serve up victories that delighted fans and confounded opponents alike. From Grand Slam triumphs to record-breaking feats, Ljubičić’s coaching helped Federer navigate the challenging late stages of a legendary career. This collaboration proved that even in a game driven by youth and power, experience and wisdom—tied together with the right partnership—can still rule the court. As Federer might say with a smile, this winning combination truly “netted” a legacy that will resonate long after the final rally.

*Tennis pun alert:* Ljubičić was the ultimate net-gainer for Federer, helping him serve up a winning combination unmatched in the sport’s history.