Novak Djokovic’s strength and condition coach Marco Panichi has shared the secrets to his longevity as well as the world No 1’s ability to consistently improve his game. Despite turning 36 in May, Djokovic enjoyed another dominant season on the ATP Tour as he won three of the four Grand Slams, the ATP Finals and finished the year at No 1 in the ATP Rankings, seeing off several challenges from players who are several years younger than him.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner’s fitness and mental strength have always been key to his success and the man behind his condition has described him as “a phenomenon”. Panichi has been part of the tennis great’s set-up for the past six years and during that time he has seen the Serbian achieve extraordinary results.
Although he has won all there is to win, Djokovic has made it clear that retirement is not on the horizon and Panichi explained why. “There is more than one reason, but any consideration must start from the fact that Nole is genetically a phenomenon,” he explained during a masterclass held at the Oltrepò Tennis Academy in Codevilla – as per Italy24.press
“One capable of doing everything with simplicity and consistency, but also capable of doing things that others are prevented from doing. It can’t always be copied.
“He knows how far he can push himself and therefore has the experience to understand what his body is telling him. We support him by giving him the weapons to further develop these innate abilities Djokovic always strives for improvement and he keeps the rest of his team on their toes.
In an interview earlier in December, Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic lifted the veil on the high standards.
He’s not an easy guy, let’s put it that way,” the 2003 Wimbledon winner said. “Especially when something doesn’t go the way he wants. He tortured us, tore out our nails and many other things that I cannot say. But we are still here, we are still alive. My heart is still good.
“I am an old man and I have to watch my heart. We’re here to make it feel better and work better. Sometimes it’s not easy. Sometimes it’s very complicated. It’s very difficult to improve with him, but he wants to do it. This is good and bad for me as a coach and for the rest of the team.”
And Panichi echoed those comments. “Nole is a demanding champion, he wants a lot from himself and consequently those around him must adapt to these ambitions. And to his motivation which is always very high, without suffering any drops,” he added.
