Novak Djokovic’s Ex-trainer Labels the 38-Year-Old’s Late-Career Dominance a One-of-a-Kind Feat

Novak Djokovic’s former trainer, Marco Panichi, has revealed that the competitiveness the 38-year-old has shown will be difficult for anyone to replicate in the future. The Serbian legend is currently at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, where he’s the favorite to win the title after Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal in the third round.

Panichi is regarded as one of the most renowned trainers in the tennis world, having been on the elite stage for over three decades. He trained several top-level players, including Fabio Fognini, Francesca Schiavone, Li Na, and Angelique Kerber, before joining the team of Novak Djokovic during the 2017 season.

Back then, Djokovic was already 30 and he helped the Serbian legend bounce back from his injury struggles in 2017. Djokovic found a great partner in Panichi, who was key to helping him maintain a very high level on tour for several years. However, their partnership came to an end in March 2024.

Panichi was hired by Jannik Sinner a few months later, just weeks after the Italian star’s doping scandal forced him to part ways with some of his coaching team. Panichi joined the team, but his partnership with Sinner didn’t last long. They split before the Wimbledon Championships. It was reported that Sinner wasn’t happy after he revealed that the 24-year-old cried for 15 minutes after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final.

During an interview with Puntodebreak, Panichi was asked about Djokovic’s achievements on the court of late. The Italian trainer praised the 38-year-old for his mind-blowing form on the court despite his age and added that he believes it will be difficult for any player in the future to replicate his achievements:

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.

Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slams in his career and he claimed his last at the 2023 US Open. This season, he reached the semi-finals of all four major tournaments, proving that he can still compete with the youngsters. Also, he claimed his 100th tour-level title at the Geneva Open after beating Hubert Hurkacz in the final.

Novak Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open after beating Zizou Bergs

Novak Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Rolex Shanghai Masters after overcoming Zizou Bergs in straight sets. The former World No.1 battled through a leg issue and exhaustion in the fourth round against Jaume Munar, in the quarter-finals, he suffered the same issue but found a way to beat Bergs 6-3, 7-5.

Djokovic is now into his 80th Masters 1000 semi-final and will now be seeking to reach the final of the tournament. He revealed after the match that he did everything to stay alive on the court despite the hot conditions in Wuhan. The 38-year-old added that he should have ended the match earlier:

I was just trying to stay alive to be honest on the court. My first encounter with Bergs. He’s a great guy. Obviously, a lot of firepower in his game. At times I just tried to play an extra ball in the court and make him miss the ball, and that’s what happened. I should have closed out the match at 5-4. He played a good game, again I was a little bit too passive.

Djokovic will face qualifier Valentin Vacherot in the semi-finals. Vacherot stunned 10th seed Holger Rune in their quarter-final clash in three sets. Djokovic finished as a finalist last year after losing to Jannik Sinner in straight sets. If the Serbian legend wins the title on Sunday, it will be his 101st tour-level title.

Also Read: Jessica Pegula Gives Her Take on Gael Monfils’ Farewell Tour in 2026

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