Axed Novak Djokovic coach to get new job with tennis rival
A former coach of Novak Djokovic’s, who once spoke out over the Serbian’s outbursts, has joined up with US Open champion Jannik Sinner. Marco Panichi joined Djokovic’s team in 2017 as the player’s fitness coach.
Djokovic enjoyed a successful relationship with Marco Panichi (Image: Getty)
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 comes 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 organisation – 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.
2024 US Open – Final Day
Jannik Sinner has had a memorable 2024 (Image: Getty)
However, despite any tricky moments between the two, it appears 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 a plan 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.
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