By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, August 23, 2024
Photo credit: Australian Open Facebook/Tennis Australia
Peter Lundgren, an accomplished coach and former ATP pro, has died at the age of 59.
Lundgren, who coached Roger Federer to his maiden major championship at the 2003 Wimbledon, had been battling health issues in recent years. His family announced his passing on social media.
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Last October, Lundgren breaking his left ankle and suffering complications caused by diabetes.
“I was going to give an update on my foot, unfortunately I had to amputate my foot and a bit up 10 days ago and because of the infection I had and my broken ankle did not heal because of my type 2 diabetes you get bad circulation,” Lundgren wrote in a Facebook post. “But now I feel well again and soon my rehab will begin and it’s just give the iron now💪💪Nice evening.”
Peter Lundren won three career titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 25 during his playing days on the ATP Tour. Lundgren went on to a successful coaching career.
Former Swedish standout Jonas Bjorkman credited Lundgren with helping Federer sharpen his backhand, which helped him become a Grand Slam champion during their three-year partnership.
Lundgren, who also coached former No. 1 Marcelo Rios, coached Marat Safin to his second Grand Slam title at the 2005 Australian Open when Safin defeated Dominik Hrbaty, world No. 1 Federer and home hero Lleyton Hewitt in succession to capture the 2005 Australian Open championship.
A respected technician, Lundgren went on to coach Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov and Daniela Hantuchova among other prominent players.
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