Roger Federer was sent packing in the semi-finals of the 2008 Australian Open losing in straight sets.  Federer is still stuck at 12 Grand Slam titles traling Pete Sampras by only 2. 

In his remarkable Grand Slam run, Federer has not had a full-time coach.    I think Federer should strongly consider it as the gap between Federer and the rest of the pack is shrinking.  Federer did not look like the dominating player of the past few years in this tournament as he was challenged in the early rounds and failed to step up his game when it counted.    While I think Federer should surpass Sampras’ 14 Grand Slam titles, his dominance appears to be over.