By Erik Gudris/Saturday, October 12, 2013

 

Roger Federer announced on his website that he was parting ways with coach Paul Annacone who helped bring the Swiss star back to No. 1 last year.

Photo Credit: AP

Roger Federer announced Saturday that he and Paul Annacone were ending their three and a half year coaching relationship.

"After a terrific 3 ½ years working together, Paul and I have decided to move on to the next chapter in our professional lives. When we started together we had a vision of a three-year plan to win another Grand Slam title and get back to the No. 1 ranking. Along with many other goals and great memories, these two main goals were achieved," Federer said in a statement on his official website.

Federer added that after a recent training block, both he and Annacone mutually decided it was time to move on. The parting is amicable and each will continue their friendship moving forward.

Annacone, a former top 15 player, went on to coach Pete Sampras, Marat Safin and Tim Henman prior to working with Federer. The Swiss star hired Annacone full time back in 2010 after Federer lost to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon that year along with losing his No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal.

During his tenure, Annacone helped Federer win his seventh Wimbledon singles title in 2012, tying Sampras' own Open Era record, along with reclaiming the No. 1 ranking.

This year, Federer is currently ranked No. 7 and fighting to qualify for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals event in London. Annacone was not present with Federer at this week's Shanghai Rolex Masters where Federer lost in the third round to Gael Monfils.

Federer is next scheduled to compete at the Swiss Indoors event in Basel.