Roger Federer hires tennis legend Stefan Edberg as coach

Roger Federer on Friday announced that his "childhood hero" Stefan Edberg will become part of his coaching team at the Australian Open and for the 10 weeks after the season's first Grand Slam.

Federer has thus become the latest player to recruit a 1980s great.

Federer invited six-time grand slam champion Edberg to work with him for a few days in Dubai earlier this month and the Swede hinted it could turn into something more permanent.

Stefan Edberg in his youth. Pic/AFP

Now Federer has confirmed he will work with Edberg for a minimum of 10 weeks, starting at the Australian Open in two weeks' time.

That will also be the first grand slam for the new pairing of Novak Djokovic and Boris Becker, while Andy Murray has won both his grand slam titles since appointing Ivan Lendl as his coach.

Federer said on rogerfederer.com: "I am happy to announce that, beginning in Melbourne, Stefan Edberg will join Severin Luthi on my coaching team.

"Severin, who has been part of my team for the last seven years, will do most of the weeks and Stefan has agreed to work with us for at least 10 weeks, starting at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

"Stefan was my childhood hero and I am really looking forward to spending time (with him) and learning from him."

Federer endured his worst season for more than decade in 2013 and split from former coach Paul Annacone in October, although he continued to work with Swiss Davis Cup captain Luthi.

The 32-year-old posted some encouraging results at the end of the season and has consistently said that, back issues permitting, he is optimistic of rediscovering something like his best form in 2014.

Edberg, 47, won the Australian Open in 1985 and 1987, Wimbledon in 1988 and 1990 and back-to-back US Opens in 1991 and 1992.

"I'm really excited to be part of Roger's team and I hope together we can bring out his best tennis," said Edberg.

Former grand slam champion Sergi Bruguera and Michael Chang will also be back on tour in 2014, with Bruguera coaching Frenchman Richard Gasquet while Chang is helping Japan's Kei Nishikori.u00a0