Novak Djokovic has taken to Instagram to announce that he will no longer work with his long-time fitness trainer Marco Panichi. It marks the latest change to Djokovic’s support team following his split with former coach Goran Ivanisevic in March.
Panichi, a former long jump athlete, has worked with Djokovic for a number of years after joining his support team in 2019. He has also worked with the national tennis federations of several countries such as Italy, China, Germany, and Israel, as well as helping other players including Li Na and Fabio Fognini.
Djokovic confirmed that he and Panichi had parted ways in a heartfelt Instagram post, in which he thanked the Italian trainer for his valuable input over the years.
“Grande Marco, what amazing years of collaboration we’ve had,” wrote Djokovic. “We reached the summit, won titles, broken records. But most of all, I have enjoyed our most ordinary days of training in and out of the gym. 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. Much love and I will see you soon in Roma.”
Djokovic has won 10 major titles with Panichi in his corner, finishing as the year-end No 1 on three occasions during their five-year partnership. He tweaked Djokovic’s fitness regime to include exercises such as yoga and tai chi, according to The Sports Rush, while he is also said to specialise in the field of injury prevention.
Panichi recently opened up on his time working with Djokovic, branding the Serb a ‘genetic phenomenon’ and insisting that while he can do everything, not everybody can do what he does.
“Nole is genetically a phenomenon,” Panichi told Tennis World. “One capable of doing everything with simplicity and consistency, but also capable of doing things that others are prevented from doing. It can’t always be copied.
“He knows how far he can push himself and therefore has the experience to understand what his body is telling him. We support him by giving him the weapons to further develop these innate abilities. Nole is a demanding champion, he wants a lot from himself and consequently those around him must adapt to these ambitions.”
