Ivan Ljubicic Reflects on the ‘Easy’ Life of Roger Federer After Tennis Retirement

Ivan Ljubicic had coached Roger Federer from 2016 to 2022, during which Federer clinched three Grand Slam titles.

Ivan Ljubicic Reflects on the ‘Easy’ Life of Roger Federer After Tennis Retirement

Roger Federer and Ivan Ljubicic (Credit:- Love Tennis)

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It has been three years since Roger Federer hung up his racquet—a goodbye that has been painful for tennis fans worldwide. Federer changed the sport with his dominance, elegance, and versatility. He won a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam title at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships and extended this record to a 20th Grand Slam title.

This distinction was later surpassed by Rafael Nadal and then by Novak Djokovic, with whom Federer shared an iconic rivalry that redefined tennis. While Nadal retired last year, Djokovic is still playing on tour, dropping no hints of wanting to retire anytime soon.

Federer’s former coach Ivan Ljubicic spoke to Tages Anzeiger about various aspects, such as his experiences with Federer and his present work. Speaking about the Swiss Maestro’s life post-retirement, Ljubicic remarked:

He’s far too smart to let himself get stressed. I never doubted for a second that he would enjoy his post-career life. He still travels a lot, which he loves, and has some business commitments. He’s done a great job. He’s stayed connected to tennis, with the Laver Cup alone. He still wants to be involved, but without a specific role or function. I don’t think he ever will.

Since his retirement, Federer has been involved in several projects. He is actively involved in philanthropy, especially through the Roger Federer Foundation. He enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, traveling, and managing his foundation.

He remains connected to the tennis world, attending events, particularly Wimbledon, where he holds a record eight titles, and the Laver Cup, a tournament whose creation he was involved in. Additionally, Federer has several brand partnerships and continues to be involved with companies like Uniqlo, Rolex, and Lindt.

Ivan Ljubicic’s experience coaching Roger Federer

Ivan Ljubicic coached Roger Federer from 2016 to 2022, alongside Severin Luthi, and helped Federer clinch the 2017 Australian Open and Wimbledon titles and his final Grand Slam title at the 2018 Australian Open.

Federer reached one more Grand Slam final after that at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, where he lost the match despite having two championship points. Speaking of his time coaching Federer, the Croatian remarked:

Those two years certainly stand out. My experience as a player at Wimbledon was disastrous. As a coach, things went better for me. A title and a final with Roger—that’s not a bad record.

Roger Federer Ivan Ljubicic Australian Open
Roger Federer Ivan Ljubicic (image via X/Tennis Majors)

Ljubicic had never progressed beyond the third round at Wimbledon during his playing days. His best run at a Grand Slam was at the 2006 Roland Garros, where he reached the semifinal of the tournament. However, the former World No. 3 loved his days coaching Federer, especially at Wimbledon. He further added about his coaching experience:

Speaking of magic: That was magical. Those were an incredible six and a half years of my life. We spent so much time together and shared so many precious moments. I wish we’d started earlier. But whatever, it was fantastic. No matter who I coach next, I can’t repeat it.

In 2021, the nearly 40-year-old Federer became the oldest Wimbledon quarterfinalist in the Open Era, surpassing the record held by Ken Rosewall. However, he was then defeated by 14th seed Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets. This marked the first time in 19 years at SW19 that Federer had lost in straight sets and only the second time he had dropped a set 6–0 in the 21st century.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner Denies Comparisons of his Rivalry With Carlos Alcaraz to the Era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic