Novak Djokovic’s former coach, who once revealed how he dealt with the Serbian’s tantrums, has now joined up with one of the player’s biggest competitors.
Novak Djokoic and his former fitness coach Marco Panichi (Image: Getty Images)
A former coach of Novak Djokovic’s, who once spoke out over the Serbian’s outbursts, has joined up with U.S. Open champion Jannik Sinner. Marco Panichi joined Djokovic’s team in 2017 as the player’s fitness coach.
However, the tennis icon switched up his camp earlier this year and the trainer has now been picked up by one of Djokovic’s biggest rivals. Sinner, who is coming off the back of winning the U.S. major, has decided to freshen up his coaching team by appointing the Italian after firing his own staff prior to the New York-based tournament.
Djokovic has won a record 24 Grand Slam titles, including four U.S. Open titles, with Panichi serving on the Serbian’s team for half of those major victories. However, his ex-coach made headlines recently when he lifted the lid on how he dealt with Djokovic’s infamous explosions on court, and in practice.
When asked how he managed Djokovic’s temperament, Panichi explained that it was to be expected from a star of his stature. He also opened up on the extreme demands that come with being the Serbian’s coach.
“We knew that it was nothing personal, we knew that sometimes he needed that (to release his anger) in order to play at his best,” Panichi told Sportal. “We knew how his mind worked – when to tell him something and when not to say anything. He’s the type of player that sometimes needs that.
“With a player of his size, there is always stress. You have to deal not only with him but also with the whole organization – a player like him represents the industry for himself, that’s the source of stress. Also, an elite tennis player like him always asks you for more, more and more. It’s part of the game.”
The split between the two came as a surprise to some tennis fans considering the success their partnership had yielded. However, Djokovic’s decision to reunite with former fitness coach Gebhart Fil-Grich was part of a wider overhaul, with coach Goran Ivanisevic also leaving the tennis legend’s camp.
(Image: Getty)
However, despite any tricky moments between the two, it appears the coach and player departed on good terms. Speaking on his time with Djokovic, Panichi gushed over his experience and branded his relationship with the Serbian as “beautiful”.
“First of all, it was an amazing experience,” he said. “Amazing ride. Every day I learned a lot about how to be even more professional and fully present in what we need to do.
“I also learned how to be ready to make plans A, B, and C if necessary, because so much happens around great athletes like Novak – a lot behind the scenes, so you always have to be ready to change plans at the last minute. The biggest gift I got from everything is a beautiful relationship with a great person.”
It appears the love-in following their parting was more than mutual. Taking to Instagram after he had rung the changes to his backroom staff, Djokovic was full of praise for the Italian.
“Grande Marco, what amazing years of collaboration we’ve had. We reached the summit, won titles, and broke records. But most of all, I have enjoyed our most “ordinary” days of training in and out of the gym,” Djokovic wrote. “Endless hours of “carciofini” and laughs that made me feel super motivated to prepare for success. Grazie Romanista (as Goran calls you) for all the energy, effort and time you invested in making me the best possible player and person I can be.”
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sinner will soon formalize the appointment of Panichi. The Italian superstar has enjoyed a fruitful 2024 so far picking up wins in the French Open as well as at Flushing Meadows.
