"This is what it's like to work with him" - Former fitness coach of Novak Djokovic opens up on the Serbian's temper

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.

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."