Big respect to @DjereLaslo. You played great in super tough conditions 🥵. Speedy recovery, my friend 🇷🇸. Round 3, let’s go. Brz oporavak ti želim, Laci. Žao mi je što se ovako završilo. Sa srećom dalje 🙏
"This is what it's like to work with him" - Former fitness coach of Novak Djokovic opens up on the Serbian's temper
ATPSaturday, 31 August 2024 at 05:30
Fitness trainer Marco Panichi has given fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to deal with tennis superstar Novak Djokovic, having worked with the Serbian from 2017 to 2024.
Known for his passion and occasional outbursts on the tennis court, Djokovic has built a reputation for being hot-headed on certain occasions. This has led fans and critics to question whether the former World No.1 maintained the same attitude during practice sessions with his coaching team.
Panichi sheds light on how coaching team handled Djokovic's temper
The Italian fitness guru began working with the Serbian in 2017, and was part of Djokovic's coaching entourage during four of his US Open title wins. In a recent interview with Sportal, Panichi gave some insight into how the coaching team dealt with Djokovic's outbursts and used it to his advantage during his training.
"You see, we knew that it was nothing personal, we knew that sometimes he needed that (to release his anger) in order to play at his best," said Panichi. "We knew how his mind worked when to tell him something and when not to say anything. He's the type of player that sometimes needs that.
"With a player of his size, there is always stress. You have to deal not only with him but also with the whole organization - a player like him represents the industry for himself, that's the source of stress. Also, an elite tennis player like him always asks you for more, more and more. It's part of the game."
Although they parted ways earlier this year, Panichi admitted to enjoying his time working alongside the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
"It was an amazing experience," said the Italian. "Amazing ride. Every day I learned a lot about how to be even more professional and fully present in what we need to do.
"I also learned how to be ready to make a plan A, B and C if necessary, because so much happens around great athletes like Novak - a lot behind the scenes, so you always have to be ready to change plans at the last minute . The biggest gift I got from everything is a beautiful relationship with a great person."
claps 0visitors 729
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Renee Stubbs, stop the race baiting, you snow flake. Nothing badosa said was racist, and Paula, don't knee-jerk apologize for nothing.tennistim23-12-2024
- Rybakina is back!!
mandoist21-12-2024 - She sems to have a turbulent relationship with The Truth. Not even smartenough to make an excuse like "I severely twisted my ankle yesterday" -- then be seen shopping in some city next day while "recuperating"!mandoist21-12-2024
- Why do you even publish this TwatCaster's PATHETIC stunt for attention? There's plenty of reasons why imbeciles like him are 'talking' and people like Iga Swiatek are 'walking the walk'. Tennisuptodate should be above this tripe.mandoist16-12-2024
- If and when Political Correctness and gullible hearts over-rule BIOLOGY, the Human world begins its already seeming decline.mandoist15-12-2024
- The new generation has arrived and these guys need to do it with the left overs.
AceOfBase13-12-2024 - Every young, inexperiend CEO has "better" ideas (and friends to hire).mandoist12-12-2024
- What a load of nonsense. Emotional stress definitely didn’t cause her wrist or ankle injuries.Lyca10-12-2024
- Taylor Fritz 🎾 – the surprising third for many. 🎄 A great Christmas tree quiz question! 🎅✨MrAndreeva10-12-2024
- Simona Halep taking the axe out 🪓😮💨MrAndreeva08-12-2024
