Peter Lundgren, former coach of Roger Federer, dies at 59

The Swede’s death was announced by his children on Friday, celebrating his contributions to the tennis world

Tennis Magazine/Panoramic

August 23, 2024

On Friday, it was announced by Peter Lundgren’s children that the former top player and, most notably, former coach of Roger Federer had tragically passed away at age 59:

“Rest in peace Dad. One of the best has unfortunately left us far too soon. A coach, player, friend and father. An inspiration and helping hand for many, both on and off the court. The impression you made and the memories will always live on.“

One of the best has unfortunately left us far too soon. A coach, player, friend and father.
Lundgren’s children message on his passing

Lundgren enjoyed some tennis success himself in the 1980s as a singles player, reaching a career high of world No 25 in 1987 and making the fourth round of Wimbledon in 1989. Additionally, the Swede won three ATP World Series titles, in San Francisco, Rye Brook, and Cologne.

Peter Lundgren's children have announced his death at 59. Peter was one of the finest human beings I've met in tennis. Always in good humour and approachable. And he was an excellent coach, guiding @rogerfederer to his first major title. My deepest condolences to his family.
— Simon Graf (@SimonGraf1) August 23, 2024

As well as the on-court success, Lundgren also had much success from the sidelines, coaching Marcelo Rios into the top 10 for the first time in 1996, and also helping Marat Safin win his second major, at the 2005 Australian Open. The former top 25 player also coached Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov among others.

However, Lundgren is, perhaps, best known as the former coach of the 20-time major winner Roger Federer from 2000 until the end of 2003. It was through work with the Swiss Tennis Federation that the Swede first met the young superstar, with the collaboration eventually leading all the way to the 2003 Wimbledon title, the first of Federer’s career.