Federer looks for change, splits with coach Annacone

Roger Federer is looking for a change of fortune. And in that direction, the former World No 1 split from his American coach Paul Annacone on Saturday.

"After a terrific 3-1/2 years working together, Paul and I have decided to move on to the next chapter in our professional lives," the 32-year-old Federer said on his website (www.rogerfederer.com).

The announcement came two days after the World No 7 was dumped out of the Shanghai Masters by France's Gael Monfils.

Wth the Swiss struggling, he said that it was the best time to make a change.

Federer, winner of a record 17 Grand Slams, is battling to qualify for next month's end-of-season ATP World Tour Finals for the 12th consecutive year.

He teamed up with Annacone, former long-time coach to multiple Grand Slam winner Pete Sampras, in August 2010.

"When we started together we had a vision of a three-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 two main goals were achieved," Federer said in a statement.

"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.

"Paul remains a dear friend, and we both look forward to continuing our friendship. I want to thank Paul for his help and the value he has added to me and my team," he added of the 50-year-old former world number 12.

Federer, who won his last grand slam title at Wimbledon in 2012 before claiming a silver medal at the London Olympics, has failed to reach the final of a major this season for the first time since 2002. His only tournament success was at the low-key Halle event.

He lost in the Australian Open semi-finals to Andy Murray, fell at the last-eight stage to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the French Open, suffered a shock second-round defeat at Wimbledon to Sergiy Stakhovsky before losing to Tommy Robredo in the U.S. Open fourth round.

Federer last held the No 1 in October 2012 having taken it from Serbian Novak Djokovic that July.

Image: Tennis Coach Paul Annacone with Swiss tennis player Roger Federer

Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images