Félix Auger-Aliassime has hired Ivan Ljubicic, the former coach of Roger Federer, in a move to elevate his performance at major tournaments. The world No. 5 from Montréal announced the partnership on social media Friday, according to Tennis Majors, ending a coaching search that began after Wimbledon.
Who is Ivan Ljubicic?
The new coach brings extensive experience from the highest levels of men's tennis. Ivan Ljubicic is a former world No. 3 from Croatia who won 10 ATP titles as a player, as reported by Tennis Majors. After retiring, he coached Canadian Milos Raonic from 2013 to 2015 before joining Roger Federer's team. He coached Federer from 2016 until the Swiss player's retirement in 2022, a period where Federer captured three Grand Slam titles, according to multiple reports.
Why did Auger-Aliassime make a change?
The decision follows a period of inconsistent results for the Canadian. Auger-Aliassime parted ways with his coach of nearly a decade, Frederic Fontang, in July following a quarterfinal loss at Wimbledon, as noted by Tennisuptodate.com. Since that split, he has not reached another tour-level quarterfinal and has won only three of six matches, according to Tennis Majors. His season record stands at 36-16 with one title.
What will the new partnership look like?
Ljubicic is expected to bring a new tactical perspective, similar to how he helped Federer adapt his game later in his career. One source highlights that Ljubicic encouraged Federer to hit a flatter backhand and take the ball earlier, a strategic shift that could benefit Auger-Aliassime's powerful game. In an unusual arrangement, Ljubicic will continue to serve as a special advisor to the French Tennis Federation, a role the federation has publicly stated is compatible with his new duties, Tennis Majors reports.
The new partnership begins immediately, with the pair having already started work together in Monte-Carlo. Their first tournament is the upcoming Shanghai Masters.
Sources
- Tennis Majors: “Excited to start a new chapter”: Auger-Aliassime hires Federer’s former coach Ljubicic, who keeps his French federation role. Publication date: 2026-10-02.
- Tennisuptodate.com: “There must be a reason”: The Federer connection behind Felix Auger-Aliassime’s fascinating new career move. Publication date: 2026-10-03.
- Tennisuptodate.com: Felix Auger-Aliassime picks new coach with three Grand Slam titles and a No. 1 ranking on his CV. Publication date: 2026-10-01.
Reported from public sources.