Roger Federer’s preparation for the upcoming 2016 season is underway. The Swiss tennis great is practicing in his Dubai training base with his team and 78th-ranked Frenchman Lucas Pouille.

Pouille had been training with the Swiss in Dubai as seen on the photo that he shared on the micro-blogging platform Twitter. Federer’s team, comprised of main coach Severin Luthi, Pierre Paganini and new addition Ivan Ljubicic, are present in the picture.

“Thanks @rogerfederer and his team for a great practice to end the pre-season #2016 @ATPWorldTour,” Pouille captioned his photo.

Ljubicic is the latest addition to Federer’s team, replacing Stefan Edberg, whom Federer had worked with for the last two years. The Swiss recently announced through a statement posted on his official website that he has parted ways with former World No. 1 and six-time grand slam champion Edberg to start the new season with Ljubicic.

The 17-time grand slam champion will kick off his 2016 tennis season by defending his title at the Brisbane International, where he defeated Canada’s Milos Raonic 6-4 6-7(2) 6-4 this year. Then he will head to Melbourne for the Australian Open in his bid to win an 18th grand slam trophy and avoid a repeat of his untimely elimination [third round loss to Andreas Seppi 6-4 7-6(5) 4-6 7-6(5)].

Federer is anticipated to have the same number of tournaments that he played this year in 2016. However, he will only play one claycourt event, the Roland Garros. He will skip the Miami, Monte Carlo, Rome and Madrid tournaments. Adding up to his 2016 schedule is the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he is slated to play mixed doubles with Martina Hingis.

Contact the writer at feedback@IBTimes.com.au, or let us know your thoughts below.