Federer teams up with Sampras's ex-coach to regain lost touch

Roger Federer has hooked up with Pete Sampras's former coach Paul Annacone for a "test period" in a bid to rediscover his winning touch.

It was only three months ago that the Swiss, winner of a record 16 grand slam crowns, was world No 1 and the defending champion at three of the four majors.

But after suffering a triple setback in the European season when he surrendered his French Open title in the quarter-finals, lost his number one ranking and failed to reach the Wimbledon final for the first time since 2002, Federer has conceded he needs outside help.

"I've been looking to add someone to my team and I've decided to spend some days with Paul Annacone," the World No 3 said on his website (www.rogerfederer.com).

"As Paul winds down his responsibilities working for (Britain's) Lawn Tennis Association, we will explore our relationship through this test period. Paul will work alongside my existing team and I am excited to learn from his experiences."

Widely considered as the greatest player to have wielded a tennis racket, Federer has shunned full-time help ever since splitting from Swede Peter Lundgren six months after winning his first grand slam at Wimbledon in 2003.

Darren Cahill, Jose Higueras and Tony Roche have made cameo appearances in Federer's players' box since while working with him on a temporary basis.

Just what Annacone can teach a player, who has all the shots in the book, and a few more, remains to be seen.

Under the 47-year-old American's guidance, Sampras won nine of his 14 grand slam titles and Federer will hope Annacone can inspire him to further glory by getting him out of a rut in which he has failed to win a title since the Australian Open in January.

Federer has six Wimbledon titles, five US Opens, one French Open and four Australian Opens.

He had reached a jaw-dropping 23 consecutive grand slam semi-finals before losing to Robin Soderling at Roland Garros and Federer has dropped out of the world's top two for the first time in seven years.

The 28-year-old is due to return to action in Toronto in August after taking a month-long break from the ATP Tour.