Novak Djokovic has once again said goodbye to a member of his team. According to the 24-time Grand Slam winner, physical trainer Marco Panichi, after seven years, is no longer needed. In March, the Serbian also parted ways with a big part of his success.
Panichi has been working with Djokovic since 2017. The now 36-year-old thanked the Italian for “the wonderful years” on Instagram, but also announced that their paths are parting.
“We have reached the top, won titles, broken records,” writes Djokovic. “Thank you for all the energy, effort, and time you invested to make me the best possible player and person I can be.”
This is the second split for Djokovic in a short time. In March, he parted ways with his coach Goran Ivanisevic, with whom he developed a close friendship and won twelve Grand Slam tournaments.
The Serbian has not won any titles this year and is thus experiencing a disappointing season. However, he will appear at Roland Garros in May, and the tennis tournament at the Olympic Games is also a major goal for Djokovic.
Still a prize this year
In 2023, Djokovic had a standout year, winning three Grand Slam tournaments and holding the top spot in the world rankings. This earned him the Laureus Award for Sportsman of the Year just a week and a half ago.
He beat out competitors including Max Verstappen and won the ‘Oscars of Sport’ for the fifth time.
With this fifth selection, he is now tied with Roger Federer. Last year, Djokovic won at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open. At Wimbledon, he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz. This year he will be focusing on the Olympic Games.
