“Who’s next?” – Novak Djokovic shockingly splits with long-time fitness coach Marco Panichi as fans speculate it may be ‘the last season’ for the Serb

The recent months have seen Djokovic make unprecedented changes in his highly successful team.

Novak Djokovic and Marco Panichi (Via Imago)

Novak Djokovic continues to make headlines in 2024, but not for his tennis. Recently, the Serbian announced the end of his partnership run with his fitness coach, Marco Panichi. On Tuesday, the Serbian expressed his gratitude to his longtime collaborator.

In another significant move earlier this year, the 36-year-old tennis star had parted ways with his head coach Goran Ivanisevic, opting to go coachless. He even competed in the Monte Carlo Masters without a coach, falling to Casper Ruud in the semi-finals.

Grande Marco, what amazing years of collaboration we’ve had. We reached the summit, won titles, and broken records. But most of all, I have enjoyed our most “ordinary” days of training in and out of the gym. 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

Novak Djokovic wrote on Instagram

It’s a significant decision for Djokovic, who has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Panichi, securing numerous titles and reaching the World No.1 ranking together. Despite skipping the Madrid Open, Djokovic is gearing up for the Olympics and the French Open, with plans to compete at the Italian Open as well.

With a very deformed coaching team now, it is to be seen if the Serbian will get someone else into his team or decide to go solo and finish the remainder of his career coachless.

Fans speculate about Djokovic’s retirement as the Serbian continues making changes in the coaching team

Novak Djokovic continues to make changes to his coaching team and is currently without a head coach and a fitness coach. He is sure to make a few announcements soon, but the fans have already started speculating on many scenarios related to the World No. 1.

Coach Goran Ivanisevic (left) and trainer Marco Panichi (centre) look on as Novak Djokovic trains on Rod Laver Arena on Day 4 of the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Wednesday, January 17, 2024 (Via Imago)
Firstly, they are shocked by the number of decisions by his coaches, and they reckon that he is inching closer to retirement. “That is not ok. I’m afraid,” commented a fan on the Instagram post and many followed suit as well.
Instagram comments on Novak Djokovic’s post
Not only are the fans thanking the fitness coach for the journey with Djokovic, but are also wondering what may be the future of the Serbian.
Instagram comments on Novak Djokovic’s post
Currently, the World No.1 will enter the Italian Open, which is set to begin in the second week of May just before the French Open.