During his media conference before the start of the US Open at Flushing Meadows, Roger Federer was asked again about his coach Stefan Edberg, how he became his idol and whether it was intimidating for him to have one of his models around in his staff at the early stages of their partnership. Here's what he replied.

Stefan Edberg and Roger Federer during their Q&A session in Toronto

«Yeah, I mean, it was really Boris and Stefan. Boris a little bit first, and then little while later Stefan became my idol. I don't know how it happened. I had friends around me that said, Edberg plays so nice and started all these things. I started to watch him closely, and, you know, I liked the way he played and the way he behaved on court. I also had a one-handed backhand by then so I could really, I guess, relate to some degree.

Yeah, that's why, I guess. And then, I mean, yeah, I think with idols or heros, it's always intimidating sort of forever to either just like speak to them or see them or spend time with them, because it's just not something you ever thought was going to happen. So when I called him, I expected, you know, a negative answer clearly. He doesn't need to do this in any way. So, you know, I'm thrilled that he took the opportunity, I guess. He sees it as a really big opportunity to help me and get me to winning ways. It's going really well. I'm really pleased how we're able to manage everything, because he hasn't followed the game very closely the last 15 years, but he has a lot of experience as a player. And, you know, with the information that I have, Severin, my coach has, I think we really make a great team. He really enjoys himself on the tour now.»