Roger Federer Announces Paul Annacone Will No Longer Be His Coach

After a truly tumultuous season, Roger Federer has announced that he is parting ways with well-known coach Paul Annacone. 

FedEx announced the news on his website:

"

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 3 year plan to win another Grand Slam title and get back to the number #1 ranking. 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 also worked with the legendary Pete Sampras, teamed up with Federer in July 2010 after the Swiss sensation was ousted from both the French Open quarters—snapping a streak of 23-straight Grand Slam semifinal appearances—and Wimbledon quarters—a tournament many regard as his best.

He saw his ranking drop to No. 3 in the world. 

The two enjoyed immense success, however, as Federer made it to eight more Grand Slam semifinals, won Wimbledon in 2012 and subsequently returned to the top spot in the world, where he eventually broke Sampras' record for most weeks at the summit. 

2013 brought more hardship than Federer has been accustomed to, however, so he clearly felt it was time for a change. 

The 32-year-old made just one Grand Slam semifinal this year and was shockingly eliminated before the quarters at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. He uncharacteristically lost to several lower-ranked players throughout the season and secured just one title—his lowest total since 2001. 

It remains to be seen who—if anyone—Federer will hire in Annacone's stead, or if it will even make a difference, but at this point, any type of change was worth a shot following a very rocky season.