General / Editor / 13 May 2007 /

Betfair punters will have been far from impressed by Roger Federer's recent form as he continues to struggle on clay and he now finds himself heading into the French Open without a coach.

The Swiss star, who remains the 4.7 second favourite behind Rafael Nadal (1.62) to claim victory at Roland Garros, has decided to part company with coach Tony Roche.

The news has come just days after the world number one suffered a surprise straight-sets loss to Filippo Volandri in the third-round of the Rome Masters and with the French Open just two weeks away.

However, the decision has been described as 'mutual' with Federer announcing the split on his personal website.

"I thank Tony very much for his efforts over these last years, during which I appreciated the 12-15 weeks per season we would work together," stated the 25-year-old.
"I am also grateful for the sacrifice he made, travelling so far from his home in Australia and leaving his family."

Australian Roche has worked with the Swiss maestro for the last two-and-a-half years, helping him to win six Grand Slam titles, although none of which have been at Roland Garros and Federer continues to struggle on clay.

It now looks likely the Basle-born star will head to France without a coach, although Betfair punters will be aware that he has enjoyed success on his own before.

After splitting with Peter Lundgren in his breakthrough year in 2003 when he won his first Wimbledon crown, he won three Grand Slam titles the following season.

However, being on his least-preferred surface and without any tactical direction, pundits will feel an upturn in fortunes at Roland Garros may be asking a little too much of the world number one.

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