Roger Federer has not done too badly going solo.
Since splitting with his coach in December, he has clambered to the top of the world rankings unaided and clinched a second Grand Slam crown along the way.
So why change a winning formula?
It is not that the solitary Swiss, who last month clinched his first Australian Open title, thinks he doesn't need a coach but rather that he's prepared to wait for the right one to come along.
A Sergeant-Major mentor doesn't interest him -- he just wants a nice guy.
"I've got to get along with the guy," Federer told Reuters in an interview during the World Indoor Tournament in Rotterdam.
"I'm definitely looking around but I honestly don't have a clue who's going to be my new coach.
"I need someone who can bring new things to my game and improve it. I've also got to see what experience he has but still there is no guarantee he's the right guy for me.
"I will have a trial period... and if things work out, then I'll hire him as my coach.
"But I'll definitely be on my own for the next few weeks."
The 22-year-old split with long-term mentor Peter Lundgren over two months ago -- he said at the time that he needed "new impetus" -- and has been on the lookout for a replacement since.
During his tenure, former Swedish pro Lundgren had steered Federer from a ranking of 30 to two in the world. He also guided the Swiss all-court player to the Wimbledon title last July.
NO POACHING
His successor will certainly have a lot to live up to.
"A coach can bring a lot to your game as you don't see your match the same way as someone else would," said Federer.
"But for the moment, travelling without a coach also helps me to figure out more things about my game and get to know what I need."
One thing Federer is adamant about is that he will not poach a fellow professional's mentor.
"It would be like approaching the girlfriend of another guy and asking her to go out with me... no I wouldn't do that," Federer laughed.
Having taken his time to climb to the peak of the tennis mountain, Federer plans to enjoy the view from the top for as long as possible.
The stylish Swiss had been touted as a future number one from the moment he ended Pete Sampras's 31-match winning streak in the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2001.
It took him another 30 months to achieve the feat and now, playing in his first ATP event with his newly-acquired status, the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion is savouring the moment.
"Mentally your attitude does change when you become world number one," he said.
"It's a different feeling because you are looked at more than ever before.
"Time is more important than it used to be, which does put me under stress sometimes because there is more interest in my life. But the rest of your life shouldn't change even if you are number one.
"I know I can't be number one forever but I really like this position... I've found a lot of motivation over the last few weeks and now want to stay here as long as I can."
Called a genius by 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic earlier this week and unbeaten in ATP events since last October, Federer's current form suggests he will face little trouble in maintaining his supremacy. With or without any extra help.
