Novak Djokovic’s former fitness coach, Marco Panichi, recently highlighted one defining quality of the Serb that left a lasting impression during their stint. The renowned Italian has built an elite résumé, having worked with the likes of World No. 2 Jannik Sinner and now mentoring Danish youngster Holger Rune.
Panichi joined Djokovic in 2017, when he was already 30 and seeking a reset after a year plagued by injuries.
Marco Panichi Reveals Novak Djokovic’s Unique Approach to Training
Panichi’s vast experience proved invaluable throughout his seven-year partnership with Djokovic from 2017 to 2024. During that remarkable period, the Serb captured a staggering 12 Grand Slam titles with the Italian coach by his side.
However, in March last year, Djokovic opted for a major shake-up within his camp, a decision that led to the departures of Panichi as well as former Croatian coach Goran Ivanišević.
The renowned Italian trainer recently appeared in an interview with Ubi Tennis, where he reflected on several experiences from his career, including his time working with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
He explained that Djokovic demanded measurable goals in every exercise and never treats training as routine. Instead, he seeks to understand every detail.
“With Novak I learned that every exercise must have a specific reason, an objective, and a parameter to measure progress. He doesn’t accept anything as routine: he wants to understand everything. His speed is not only physical, but above all, neurological. He reads the game first,” he said in an interview with Ubi Tennis.
As previously noted, the Italian also worked with World No. 2 Sinner and, after parting ways with him ahead of this year’s Wimbledon Championships, went on to join Holger Rune’s camp as a key addition.
Later in the interview, Panichi emphasized that training should begin with each athlete’s unique body mechanics, followed by the development of strength, speed, and injury prevention in stages.
“The foundation is individual biomechanics. Each athlete has their own structure. Then there is functional strength, speed, reactivity, and prevention. And everything must be progressive. If you can’t measure improvement, you’re guessing,” he added.
Panichi is now tasked with the crucial responsibility of guiding Rune through his recovery. The Dane suffered a gruesome Achilles tendon rupture during his Stockholm Open semifinal against Ugo Humbert. The injury required immediate surgery, and he has remained in rehabilitation ever since.
