Marco Panichi, Jannik Sinner’s current physical trainer and former member of Novak Djokovic’s team, believes the two players share a unique mindset when it comes to tennis. He insists that both Djokovic and Sinner dedicate themselves entirely to the sport, drawing striking parallels between their competitive spirits.
A Shared Obsession with Tennis
When Sinner reached out to Panichi, the Italian trainer didn’t hesitate to join his team. Having previously worked with Djokovic, Panichi recognized the opportunity to help mold another elite player. Despite recent turmoil—including Sinner’s doping controversy and changes in his coaching staff—the world No. 1 remained focused on maintaining his dominance on the ATP circuit.
Panichi, who has been a vocal presence in Sinner’s camp, sees a clear resemblance between his new pupil and Djokovic. Speaking on the Tressessanta podcast, he emphasized their shared dedication to tennis:
“Novak lived for and by tennis 24 hours a day. Jannik is exactly the same, just in a different way. He thrives on competition, even in training. That’s how he enjoys himself. Great champions are like that—they find pleasure in competing.”
Inside Djokovic’s Mindset
Panichi’s five-year tenure with Djokovic, from 2019 to 2024, gave him firsthand insight into the mentality of one of the sport’s greatest players. He witnessed pivotal moments, including Djokovic’s deportation from Australia and his triumphant comeback in 2023.
According to Panichi, Djokovic thrives on confrontation:
“Novak channels his desire to compete into one of his greatest strengths. He needs an enemy—whether it’s the crowd or his opponent—to fuel his performance. In the past, if he was too calm, we would try to fire him up. That’s what worked for him.”
Sinner, who has faced Djokovic multiple times, is surely aware of this psychological approach, adding another layer to their rivalry on the court.
As Sinner continues his ascent in the tennis world, his unwavering dedication and competitive edge suggest he may follow in Djokovic’s footsteps—both in mindset and in success.
