Novak Djokovic has announced on Instagram that he will no longer work with his longtime fitness trainer, Marco Panichi. It is the latest change to Djokovic’s support squad since his separation from longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic in March.
Panichi, a former long jumper, has worked with Djokovic for several years after joining his support crew in 2019. He has also collaborated with national tennis federations in Italy, China, Germany, and Israel, as well as with players such as Li Na and Fabio Fognini.
Djokovic acknowledged the split with Panichi in a touching Instagram message, in which he thanked the Italian trainer for his tremendous contributions over the years.
“Grande Marco, what amazing years of collaboration we’ve had,” Djokovic wrote in an email. “We reached the pinnacle, won titles, and smashed records. Most of all, I’ve cherished our most routine days of training in and out of the gym. Endless hours of ‘carciofini’ and laughter kept me motivated to prepare for success.
“Thank you, Romanista (as Goran calls you), for all the passion, effort, and time you put into making me the greatest player and person I can be. Much love, and I’ll see you shortly in Rome.”
Djokovic has won ten major titles with Panichi by his side, finishing as the year’s top seed three times throughout their five-year collaboration. According to The Sports Rush, he modified Djokovic’s workout regimen to include exercises like yoga and tai chi, and he also specialises in injury prevention.
