'It will be difficult to replicate this': Novak Djokovic's ex-trainer Marco Panichi calls the Serb's late-career dominance a one-of-a-kind feat

Marco Panichi, former trainer of Novak Djokovic, recently commented on the competitiveness maintained by the 24-time Grand Slam champion at 38 years old, emphasizing that it is difficult for anyone to replicate his level at the Serb's age. The Italian physical trainer recently joined Holger Rune, who is having a great campaign at the Shanghai Masters.

The Italian physical trainer is one of the most renowned in the tennis world, with over three decades in the elite and having trained several top-level players, including Fabio Fognini, Francesca Schiavone, Li Na, and Angelique Kerber, before joining the team of Novak Djokovic.

Panichi joined Djokovic at a late stage of his career—in 2017, when Djokovic was already 30 and looking to refresh himself after a year of injuries. The Serb found a great partner in Panichi who was key for him to remain at the highest level for several years. It was an association of more than seven years, which ended in March 2024 when "Nole" opted to make changes to his team, which also led to the departure of Croatian coach Goran Ivanišević.

Panichi went on to work with Jannik Sinner in the second part of the year—after the doping scandal that shook Sinner's team—replacing Umberto Ferrara as physical trainer. Panichi joined Ulises Badio to work with Sinner but was dismissed before Wimbledon—reportedly after Sinner expressed discomfort with an interview Panichi gave, in which he revealed that the Italian cried for about 15 minutes after the French Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz.

The Djokovic phenomenon: An unreplicable level

Panichi remembers the seven years he worked with "Nole" with special affection, being an essential part of the team for 12 of the 24 Major titles achieved by Djokovic—all of them after he turned 30. However, the Italian believes it is unlikely to see another player replicate Djokovic's achievements at his age.

Panichi commented: "It will be difficult to replicate this when others reach his age. He might have more chances in best-of-three set matches. Not training as much as before, both because of age and motivation, makes energy management challenging, but we can always expect anything from Novak."

Panichi's new project: Betting on Rune's "crystal-clear talent"

Panichi faces a new episode in his successful career in the world tennis elite, this time accompanying Danish World No. 11 Holger Rune, who seeks to take a step forward after losing prominence on the tour in the last year.

Panichi stated: "For me, it’s exciting to be part of a new project. With Rune, we’ve just started; he’s a wonderful guy, ready to listen and share. We’re still getting to know each other, we’ve set up the first work protocols, but it will be a medium-to-long-term journey.”

“He has a crystal-clear talent, but there’s a lot to improve, and it’s a long way to becoming a true player. So far, he’s won some tournaments, but then maybe in the important ones, he lost in the early rounds. Consistency will be key. With Holger, we’re still on a rollercoaster: sometimes there’s a lot of excitement for good things, but then there might be a negative rebound. He’s always been destined for greatness, I also remember when in New York he won a set against Nole in one of his first Slam experience.”

Rune's Shanghai success: A return to form

Rune is achieving great results this week in Shanghai, reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament for the third time this season in a Masters 1000. The Dane took advantage of the massive drop-out of top players and early eliminations, and now looks like one of the favorites to win the title in the complicated Shanghai conditions, where the heat and slow ball speed have been among the most discussed topics in the last week.

Panichi explained: "Acclimatization is important. Holger and I gradually increased the intensity over the first four days. You can't start at full speed with this sun and extreme humidity. Then, you have to monitor hydration, nutrition, and recovery. There is no other way to achieve it. Rest days are important to fine-tune the human machine.”

The Dane defeated Sebastian Báez, Ugo Humbert (21st), and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (32nd) this week. He will face Monegasque Valentin Vacherot this Wednesday. A win for Rune will put him on the verge of returning to the Top 10 and reaching a Masters semifinal for the 5th time in his career.