Novak Djokovic has a reputation for his fiery on-court behaviour and former fitness coach Marco Panichi has opened up on his time working with the tennis icon
Novak Djokovic’s former fitness coach Marco Panichi has given nsight into how he handled the tennis star’s temper.
The Italian fitness guru joined Djokovic’s entourage back in 2017 and was part of his coaching team for half of his staggering 24 Grand Slam titles, including four victories at the US Open. He is currently defending his title in New York and will take on Australian Alexei Popyrin in the third round.
Despite being 37, Djokovic continues to dominate on the courts, competing against a host of up-and-coming young guns, including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The Serbian avenged his Wimbledon final defeat to the latter at this summer’s Olympics, claiming an elusive Gold Medal in Paris.
However, Djokovic’s on-court outbursts are almost as famous as his wins. His former fitness coach Panichi has shed light on how his team handled these intense moments and helped use them to Djokovic’s advantage in training.
“You see, 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,” he 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.”
Having become a master at managing Djokovic’s psychology, Panichi was asked what else he learned from his seven years alongside the tennis icon: “It wasn’t a few things! 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.”
Djokovic’s decision to recruit fitness trainer Gebhart Fil-Grich was part of a wider overhaul, having also parted ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic. However, the current world No.2 showed his appreciation for Panichi on Instagram in April.
“Grande Marco, what amazing years of collaboration we’ve had. 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,” 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.”
