Novak Djokovic thanks fitness coach Marco Panichi for “amazing” years after pair splits

Novak Djokovic has split with long-time fitness coach Marco Panichi in the latest shakeup to his team ahead of the season’s second major.

On Tuesday, Djokovic published a warm message of gratitude for everything Panichi helped him accomplish in their journey together.

“Grande Marco, what amazing years of collaboration we’ve had. We reached the summit, won titles, broken records,” he began.

“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.”

In late March, Djokovic and coach Goran Ivanisevic went their separate ways in a decorated partnership that saw the former Wimbledon champion help the Serbian capture 12 of his men’s record 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

“Our on-court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid,” asserted Djokovic.

At the tail end of last season, Djokovic revealed a change in management from Edoardo Artaldi and Elena Cappellaro to Mark Madden.

The Belgrade native, who turns 37 in three weeks, opted out of contesting the Mutua Madrid Open. He is expected to return next week in Rome, where Djokovic seeks his first trophy of the season ahead of his Roland Garros title defense.

Djokovic last appeared in Monte Carlo, falling to Casper Ruud in the semifinals. Though Jannik Sinner withdrew ahead of his Madrid quarterfinal Wednesday with a right-hip injury, the Italian is a viable threat to challenge for the No. 1 ranking depending on how his results in Rome and the Paris major stack up against Djokovic's.