Djokovic Parts Ways with Long-Time Fitness Coach Panichi in Continued Team Restructuring

Novak Djokovic, the current world number one and holder of a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles, has announced another shakeup in his coaching team. On Tuesday, Djokovic took to Instagram to express his gratitude to long-time fitness coach Marco Panichi, marking the end of their successful partnership.

This news comes just weeks after Djokovic revealed the possibility of going coachless following his March split from Croatian coach Goran Ivanisevic. Ivanisevic, a former Wimbledon champion, had been with Djokovic for five years, guiding him through a period that saw him capture 12 of his Grand Slam titles.

Marco Panichi joined Djokovic’s team in 2017, playing a crucial role in the Serbian champion’s continued peak physical conditioning. Djokovic’s heartfelt Instagram post highlights the impact Panichi had, acknowledging not only their achievements together but also cherishing the “ordinary” days of training that laid the foundation for his success. Djokovic specifically thanked Panichi for “all the energy, effort and time you invested in making me the best possible player and person I can be.”

This recent change comes amidst a period of strategic adjustments for Djokovic’s team. Opting out of the Madrid Open this year, Djokovic prioritized upcoming Grand Slams and the Paris Olympics, where he’ll aim for gold. He is, however, scheduled to compete in Rome.

Djokovic’s decision to part ways with Panichi raises questions about the future structure of his coaching team. It remains to be seen whether he’ll seek a replacement or choose to operate without a dedicated fitness coach for the time being. Regardless of the coaching setup, Djokovic’s dedication to peak performance remains unwavering, and his fans eagerly await his return to the court.