Felix Auger-Aliassime Hired Ivan Ljubicic as Coach
The world number six tennis player has appointed the former coach of Roger Federer to lead his professional team.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Tennis
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Felix Auger-Aliassime has hired Ivan Ljubicic to serve as his new tennis coach. This appointment follows the Canadian star's decision to part ways with longtime coach Frederic Fontang in July 2026.
Why it matters
The addition of Ljubicic, who previously guided Roger Federer from 2016 to 2022, signals a significant strategic pivot for Auger-Aliassime as he pursues his first Grand Slam title.
Auger-Aliassime currently holds the sixth spot in the ATP rankings, a slight decline from his career-high of number four achieved earlier in 2026. His new coach, Ivan Ljubicic, holds a career-high ranking of number three from his playing days.
The players
Felix Auger-Aliassime
He is a professional tennis player who is currently ranked sixth in the ATP standings.
Ivan Ljubicic
He is a former professional player and prominent coach who previously managed Roger Federer for six years.
French Tennis Federation
This is the governing body for tennis in France that employs Ljubicic as a special advisor.
Frederic Fontang
He is a tennis coach who worked with Auger-Aliassime for nearly a decade until July 2026.
Toni Nadal
He is a tennis coach who worked with Auger-Aliassime until their professional split in 2024.
The details
Ljubicic will continue his role as a special advisor to the French Tennis Federation while working with Auger-Aliassime, as the Federation confirmed their contract allows for private coaching duties on the ATP and WTA tours. This partnership replaces the 10-year tenure of Frederic Fontang, who previously guided the player until their split this past summer.
Timeline
2016-2022: Ivan Ljubicic served as the coach for Roger Federer.
2024: Felix Auger-Aliassime ended his coaching partnership with Toni Nadal.
July 2026: The player split with his longtime coach Frederic Fontang.
October 2026: Felix Auger-Aliassime officially hired Ivan Ljubicic.
Season Trajectory
This move follows the 2016-2022 Roger Federer and Ivan Ljubicic coaching partnership, a highly successful collaboration in tennis history. Auger-Aliassime is positioning himself to challenge for major titles by securing the expertise that helped guide Federer during his later career resurgence.
The hiring of a high-profile coach like Ljubicic suggests an aggressive push for points in upcoming high-stakes Grand Slam events. Investors in fantasy tennis or betting markets should look for potential adjustments to Auger-Aliassime's playstyle and performance consistency in early 2027 tournaments.
The takeaway
The appointment marks a transition from a long-term developmental partnership to a results-driven strategy focused on Grand Slam success. Players and coaches often adjust their team dynamics after reaching top-10 status to overcome final barriers to winning major trophies.
Further reading
For more news on the professional circuit, visit the Tennis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tennis365.
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