Novak Djokovic makes another massive change in his coaching box

After five years of collaboration, world no. 1 Novak Djokovic and his fitness trainer Marco Panichi parted ways. Novak and Marco worked together since 2019, achieving many things and building a great friendship. Djokovic will work with Gebhard Phil-Gritcsh, with whom he spent many years of his early career. Novak thanked Marco for everything, hoping to see him in Rome next week. Recently, Djokovic parted ways with his long-term agent and coach Goran Ivanisevic, building a new team around himself for the closing stages of his career. Novak is 11-4 in 2024, remaining world no. 1 ahead of Jannik Sinner but still seeking the first title of the season. The Serb lost to the Italian in the Australian Open semi-final, failing to chase his 11th trophy in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovics coaching staff, Rome 2023© Justin Setterfield / Staff – Getty Images Sport

Novak Djokovic and Marco Panichi parted ways after five years.

The young Italian Luca Nardi stunned Djokovic in Indian Wells 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the third round. Novak asked for a stomach pill and did not play at his best, taking the second set but falling short in the decider, allowing Luca to score a career-best victory against his idol. Djokovic grabbed two breaks and lost serve three times from 11 chances offered to Nardi. The young Italian played aggressive tennis, landing 36 winners and 41 unforced errors. The Serb landed 18 winners and 31 mistakes, playing well in the shortest rallies but losing the advantage in the more advanced ones. Novak switched his focus to clay, entering Monte Carlo and seeking his first good run in the Principality since 2015.

Novak Djokovic, Laureus 2024© Beatriz Velasco / Stringer – Getty Images Sport

Djokovic defeated Roman Safiullin, Lorenzo Musetti and Alex de Minaur in straight sets, setting the clash against Casper Ruud. The Norwegian toppled the Serb 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 in two hours and 17 minutes, celebrating his first win over Novak. Thus, Djokovic failed to clinch an ATP title in the opening four months of the season only for the third time since 2007. Djokovic dominated the second set and claimed 11 points more than Ruud. World no. 1 erased a 4-1 deficit in the decider, doing everything to prevail and reach the final. However, he played a loose service game at 4-5, hitting a double fault to drop serve and propel Casper over the top. Novak skipped the Madrid Masters and will return to action in Rome, playing without Marco Panichi in his coaching box.