Stefan Edberg: 'I accepted Roger Federer's offer just because it was him'
In an interview to Socrates Magazine, the six-time Grand Slam winner Stefan Edberg recalled his two-year co-operation with Roger Federer in 2014 and 2015. After a bad 2013, the Swiss came back to winning ways reaching three Major finals during that time. He always lost to Novak Djokovic, at 2014 and 2015 Wimbledon, 2015 US Open. Federer and Edberg first met each other in December 2013 having a one-week training session in Dubai. "I would have never thought in my life that I'd join coaching business", said the Swede. "It was Roger Federer to give me this big opportunity. I do not think that I would have done it for another player. We had two great years, we worked on all levels and he had the courage to take radical decisions. In some ways he started from zero."
Edberg also admitted: "His only problem was Novak Djokovic, who was unbelievably high at the time. Without him, Roger would have probably won two or three Grand Slam titles."
Edberg indicated that changing racket in 2014 for Federer was the most important change. "With the old model, he had no chance to compete with the best guys. Step by step he enjoyed tennis again. After a few weeks, he played free and with big confidence."
Edberg is amazed by Federer's longevity and passion for the game: "In tennis, as you get older, you have to control the match more and more. The most intriguing thing about Roger is that he wants to keep improving, he never gives up, he keeps motivating himself. This is the main reason why he is still competitive today. It's just unbelievable that after 20 years he is still at the top."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2W4uLW8
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