On August 1, 2002, the tennis world suffered a devastating loss when Peter Carter, the Australian coach who had shaped the formative years of 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, tragically died in a car crash in South Africa1. Carter had been coaching Federer since the Swiss player was just nine years old, helping him develop his technique and channel his energy. Federer would later credit Carter for his entire technique and coolness, saying, “Thanks to him, I have my entire technique and coolness. He wasn’t my first coach, but he was my real coach. He knew me and my game, and he always knew what was good for me” 1.
Carter’s impact on Federer extended beyond the tennis court. His sudden death served as a wake-up call for Federer, who went on to claim 20 Grand Slam titles in the following two decades. The loss of his coach and friend left a lasting impression on the Swiss player, who, upon learning of Carter’s death, ran through the streets of Toronto, bawling and hysterical 1.
In 2000, as Federer’s professional career blossomed, Carter was replaced as his touring coach by Peter Lundgren. However, the bond between Federer and Carter remained strong, especially during Davis Cup ties. Tragically, on August 1, 2002, while on a safari trip in South Africa with his wife, Silvia, Carter was killed in a car crash. Federer was devastated by the news, and even nearly two decades later, he still gets emotional when talking about his inspirational former coach 12.
About Peter Lundgren
Peter Lundgren, another coach who played a significant role in Federer’s career, has also passed away recently at the age of 59. Lundgren coached Federer when he won his first Wimbledon title and had worked with other notable players like Marcelo Rios, Marat Safin, Stan Wawrinka, Marcos Baghdatis, Grigor Dimitrov, and Daniela Hantuchová.
The former Roger Federer coach posted a troubling picture on social media last year. It disclosed that he had to have his foot amputated due to a fatal infection that was made more difficult by his type 2 diabetes.
