By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, August 23, 2024
Photo: Australian Open Facebook/Tennis Australia
Peter Lundgren, An accomplished coach and former ATP professional has died at the age of 59.
Lundgren, who coached Roger Federer in his first major at Wimbledon 2003, had struggled with health problems in recent years. His family announced his death on social networks.
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Last October, Lundgren broke his left ankle and suffered complications from diabetes.
“I was going to give an update on my leg, unfortunately I had to have my leg amputated and just above 10 days ago and due to the infection I had and the broken ankle didn’t heal due to my type 2 diabetes, you you have bad circulation. “, writes Lundgren in a post on Facebook. “But now I feel good again and soon my rehab will start and I’m just giving 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 local hero Lleyton Hewitt in succession to captured the Australian Open in 2005 championship.
A respected technician, Lundgren went on to coach Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov and Daniela Hantuchova among other notable players.
