Tennis legend Stefan Edberg has begun work as Roger Federer’s coach with a clear mission: to help the Swiss maestro win another grand slam.

The partnership between Federer and his boyhood hero and six-times major winner started on an outside Melbourne Park practice court, ringed by hundreds of devotees of the two former world No.1s.

While Federer began gratifying a seemingly endless throng of autograph seekers, Edberg addressed dozens of waiting journalists at the end of his first practice session.

The Swede, who only arrived in Australia on Monday morning before heading straight to work, revealed he took the call from Federer in October last year but needed time to decide whether or not to get back into the world of professional tennis.

“Because it’s Roger, such a great player, such a great ambassador, after a few weeks of thinking I thought why not – let’s go for it,” he said.

The two spent a week together in Dubai last year, which helped convince Edberg that Federer was still capable of beating the world’s best.

“Roger still needs to be motivated. If he’s motivated, he’s got a great game and I still believe he could could play some great tennis,” he said.

“I really want to see him move forward here and get a chance and hopefully win a grand slam this year.

“I agree like everybody else that it’s all about Djokovic (and) Nadal (at the Australian Open) because they play the best tennis … Roger is one of those guys that could win if everything comes together.”

As for his role, Edberg – who will initially spend about 10 weeks of the year with the 17-times major winner – suggested it was providing an X-factor that could spark something in Federer.

“I’m part of the team,” he said.

“Hopefully I can get some thoughts into his mind and be a little bit of an inspiration.”

Swiss Davis Cup captain Severin Luthi remains Federer’s main mentor.