Roger Federer’s former tennis coach dead at 59: Peter Lundgren’s family pay tribute to man who steered legendary Swiss star to his first Wimbledon title.

 

 

The tennis world is mourning the loss of Peter Lundgren, former coach of Roger Federer and a respected figure in the sport, who passed away at the age of 59. Lundgren’s family announced his death late on Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the tennis community for the man who played a pivotal role in Federer’s early career and helped guide him to his first Wimbledon title.

A Coach Who Made Champions

Peter Lundgren, a former professional tennis player from Sweden, was known for his exceptional coaching skills and deep understanding of the game. He began coaching Roger Federer in 2000, when the Swiss star was still a promising young talent with immense potential but had yet to make his mark on the biggest stages of the sport. Under Lundgren’s guidance, Federer’s game flourished, and he achieved a significant breakthrough by winning his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003.

Federer’s victory at Wimbledon, which came after defeating Mark Philippoussis in the final, marked the beginning of an era of dominance for the Swiss player and was a testament to Lundgren’s ability to harness Federer’s natural talent and channel it into success. The partnership between Lundgren and Federer lasted until 2003, during which time Federer rose from a promising prospect to a bona fide star of the tennis world.

Family and Friends Pay Tribute

Lundgren’s family paid tribute to him in a heartfelt statement, remembering him as a loving father, husband, and a passionate advocate for tennis. “Peter was not just a coach; he was a mentor, a friend, and a beloved family member. His love for the game of tennis was matched only by his love for his family and friends. He dedicated his life to helping others achieve their dreams and always did so with a smile and a kind word. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the statement read.

Roger Federer also expressed his sorrow over Lundgren’s passing, sharing fond memories of their time together. “I am deeply saddened to hear about Peter’s passing. He was an incredible coach, mentor, and friend. He believed in me when not many did, and he played a crucial role in my career. I will always be grateful for the time we spent together and for everything he taught me. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” Federer said.

A Legacy of Mentorship

Beyond his work with Federer, Lundgren had a distinguished coaching career, working with several top players, including Marat Safin, who won the 2005 Australian Open under Lundgren’s guidance, and Grigor Dimitrov, whom Lundgren coached early in his career. Lundgren’s approach to coaching was marked by his emphasis on mental toughness, strategic thinking, and fostering a deep love for the game, qualities that endeared him to the players he worked with and earned him respect across the tennis world.

Many former players and colleagues have taken to social media to share their condolences and reflect on Lundgren’s impact on the sport. “Peter was a great coach and an even better person. He always had time for everyone and was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. Tennis has lost a great ambassador,” said former player and coach Darren Cahill.

Remembering a Tennis Great

As news of Lundgren’s passing spread, tennis organizations and tournaments around the world have paid their respects, with many planning to honor his memory in the coming days. The All England Club, home of Wimbledon, released a statement acknowledging Lundgren’s contributions to the sport and the significant role he played in Federer’s historic win in 2003.

“Peter Lundgren was an integral part of one of Wimbledon’s most memorable moments when he guided Roger Federer to his first championship here. His legacy as a coach and mentor will forever be remembered, and he will be greatly missed,” the statement said.

A Lasting Impact

Peter Lundgren’s death marks the end of a chapter in tennis history, but his influence on the sport will endure. As a coach who helped shape some of the greatest players of his generation, his contributions to tennis are immeasurable. The outpouring of tributes from players, coaches, and fans alike is a testament to the profound impact he had on the sport and the lives of those he touched.

As the tennis world mourns the loss of a great coach and an even greater man, it is clear that Peter Lundgren’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and coaches. His love for the game, his dedication to his players, and his unwavering belief in the power of mentorship are lessons that will never be forgotten.