Melbourne, Mar. 10: Swiss tennis great Roger Federer has hired Darren Cahill as his new coach.

Cahill, who has previously coached Andre Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt, will begin his association with Federer at the Indian Wells this week, reports The Australian.

Cahill and Federer, who has been off the circuit for six weeks with a back injury, have been working together in Dubai, where the Swiss star has a base.

Federer has previously worked with other Australian coaches Peter Carter, who passed away in 2002, and Tony Roche.

Federer''s agent Tony Godsick confirmed Cahill will guide Federer initially in his comeback but would not say how long the two would work together.

The Swiss maestro hasn''t played since losing to Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final in January.

“Yes, the two have met in Dubai and played a few balls together,” Godsick told German magazine Blick.

“It is a test for both. One cannot yet say whether it will be something long term. They''ll work together now and see how it works out.

“The two have long had a great respect for each other. It was occasionally discussed. It''s a trial. Now that Roger''s had a break, anyway, because of his back, the timing was perfect for the test.

Carter coached Federer through his formative years while Roche guided him to six of his 13 grand slam titles.

Federer has won three successive Indian Wells titles, the last in 2006. (ANI)