Paul Annacone tells USA Today that his split with Roger Federer was mutual. The American had coached the Swiss along with Severin Luthi since 2010. Annacone helped coach Federer to his last Grand Slam title last year at Wimbledon. Federer announced the split on his website on Saturday.
"When we started together we had a vision of a 3-year plan to win another Grand Slam title and get back to the number 1 ranking," Federer said. "Along with many other goals and great memories, these 2 main goals were achieved. After numerous conversations culminating at the end of our most recent training block, we felt like this was the best time and path for both of us."
Annacone, who coached Pete Sampras for the majority of his career and also coached Tim Henman, said he is fine with what came to pass.
"After a number of very good, heartfelt and really thoughtful conversations about what's best in timing for Roger and also for me," they concluded it was best to move on, Annacone told the newspaper. "I think we both feel good about it. I know I do."
Annacone also said he believes the 32-year-old can still win another major. Federer is in the midst of his worst season in more than a decade, winning just one title and dropping to No. 7 in the rankings—his lowest mark since October, 2002.
"Whenever you start to doubt people like this you kind of set yourself up to get your own foot stuck in your mouth," said Annacone, who coached Sampras to his last major crown at the 2002 U.S. Open. "They're atypical. They're phenoms. As much as Roger still loves to play, the exuberance he still shows in every practice, his desire to continue to enjoy the game—I can't imagine anything other than success coming his way. For me, it's not a matter of if. It's a matter of when."
Annacone said that he isn’t sure what he will do next.