Novak Djokovic has made plenty of changes to his backroom team in 2024 and now one of his former employers has opened up on what it is like to be in ‘Team Novak’.
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanesevic parted ways with Djokovic after a tricky start to the year for the former world No 1, with fitness coach Marco Panichi also leaving Djokovic’s team after a long association.
Panichi and Djokovic parted on good terms, but the Italian has now admitted life with the 24-time Grand Slam champion was not always easy.
“The moments when the pressure goes up and Novak becomes like a boiling pot with the water pouring out, so you need to lift the lid,” Panichi told Tennis Majors.
“It was not all hearts and flowers, of course, but it was a great privilege to work with him, as I said.
“With a player of his stature, there is always stress. You have to deal not only with the player, but with the whole organisation – a player like him is like an industry. That’s the source of stress.
“Also, elite player such as him always pushes you to do more and more and more. It’s part of the game, though.
“It’s true that every player has different needs and different playing styles, but I can absolutely try to implement the discipline and focus Novak had at all times.
“I am going to tell my future players about how Novak went about things, I am sure that is going to be a huge help, particularly for the young players.”
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Panichi’s interview was loaded with compliments for Djokovic, as he reflected on last year’s incredible final against Carlos Alcaraz as one of his favouirte moments.
“For me, last year’s final with Alcaraz in Cincinnati was something amazing,” he reflected.
“That match was tremendous, not only from a tennis standpoint, but also mentally. Effort and resilience from those two great players, it really was something extraordinary. But the most wonderful moment happened in the locker room after the final.
“The guys were destroyed physically because it was so hot, but after three minutes we were all laughing together, both teams. Amazing spirit. We all enjoyed what we did.
“Of course, Carlos was a little bit sad in the beginning, but he was perfect after a while too. That moment was beautiful – they were ’enemies’ on court, sporting enemies, but after… unbelievable.”
He also added a fitting tribute to a player and a person who has clearly left a big mark on him in a positive way.
“It was an unbelievable experience, unbelievable ride,” he added.
“I learned a lot every day – how to become more professional and more ‘into’ what we need to do. I learned how to be ready to organise plan A, B and C if necessary, because there are so many thing going on with great athletes such as Novak, a lot going on behind the scenes, so you need to always be ready to change plans in the last minute.
“The best gift from all of this, I would say, is the great relationship with a great person.”