Goran Ivanisevic, and now fitness coach Marco Panichi. Novak Djokovic announces his separation from fitness coach Marco Panichi just weeks after a shock split with his long-time tennis coach. This 24-time Grand Slam champion has continued to trim down his team this season as he has dropped another shocker, before getting ready to go solo, all by himself.
Recently, the world’s number-one-ranked tennis player took to his Instagram account to share how his successful association with his fitness coach has come to an end. He wrote, “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.”
Further, he added, “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. Much love ❤️ and I will see you soon in Roma. Forzaaaa.”
In 2019, Marco Panichi joined the Serb’s coaching staff, contributing a plethora of knowledge and experience. Panichi had been well-known in the tennis world before he joined Djokovic, having worked with big names like Li Na and Fabio Fognini. He has also helped other national teams, such as Germany’s and Italy’s, achieve victory.
READ MORE NEWS :EXCLUSIVE :Novak Djokovic Records His Second-Longest Trophyless Start To A Season With Madrid Withdrawal
Not only that, as a fitness coach, he has been a key player in Djokovic’s career since they teamed up, since the Serbian has helped him win an incredible ten Grand Slam titles. Nearly a month ago, the 36-year-old Serbian tennis player ended his tenure with coach Goran Ivanisevic. The two had worked together since 2018, and during that time, Djokovic won 12 Grand Slam titles.
“Our on-court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid,” Djokovic wrote in an Instagram post. In spite of this, Djokovic has not yet won a championship in 2024; he lost in the Australian Open quarterfinals in January and the Indian Wells third round this month. But after 20 years of playing professional tennis, the world number one has expressed interest in possibly going it alone without a coach.
Novak Djokovic looks out to go solo – ‘no coach is an option’
Just a few days ago, the 24-time Grand Slam champion talked in an interview about how there is not much need for a coach for him at this moment. He stated, “It’s not like I think I don’t need a coach at all. I think there’s always value in having that quality team… But I think I’m in the stage of my career where I can afford to maybe think having no coach is also an option.”
JUST IN :Cameron Norrie snubs Novak Djokovic with bold French Open statement in wake of defeat
Confirming this choice, Djokovic accepted the top men’s prize at the Laureus Awards. Although he was accompanied by former world No. 1 in doubles Nenad Zimonjic at the Monte Carlo Masters a month ago, the 36-year-old is unsure if he wants to stay with him or decide to handle this final phase of his tennis career on his own.
