Former Novak Djokovic fitness coach Marco Panichi has spoken about dealing with the tennis legend’s angry outbursts in training.
Novak Djokovic is known for his angry outbursts on the tennis court (Image: Getty)
Former Novak Djokoic coach Marco Panichi has opened up about his time working with the fiery tennis star. The Italian joined Djokovic’s team in 2017 as his fitness coach before the new Olympic champion switched up his camp earlier this year.
Djokovic, 37, remains one of the leading contenders in tennis, despite competing against a new wave of rising stars. The Serbian has won a record 24 Grand Slam titles – including four US Open triumphs – and Panichi was part of Djokovic’s team for half of those major victories.
Although his career has reached extraordinary heights, Djokovic is well-known for his tempestuous moments on the court. Asked how he managed Djokovic’s outbursts, Panichi explained that it was to be expected from a star of his stature – and was often caused by off-court pressure.
“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,” 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.”
Those moments far from outweighed the positives for Panichi, though, who was asked about what he learned from working with Djokovic: “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.
“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,” 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.”
Those moments far from outweighed the positives for Panichi, though, who was asked about what he learned from working with Djokovic: “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 reunite with former fitness coach Gebhart Fil-Grich was part of a wider overhaul, with coach Goran Ivanisevic also making way. 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.”
Having rebounded from his Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz by winning Olympic gold in Paris, Djokovic has begun to defend his US Open title. The 37-year-old is preparing for his third round tie with Australian Alexei Popyrin following two straight-set victories in New York.