Novak Djokovic brings in new physio following split with Ulises Badio

The World Number 5 failed to find an agreement with his Argentinian physio.

Novak Djokovic with Ulises Badio

There has been a change in the camp of 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. Italian Claudio Zimaglia will take up the role of Ulises Badio as a physiotherapist for the Serbian. Badio has worked with Djokovic since the 2017 French Open and departs after five fruitful years. The Argentine has been crucial in ensuring World Number 5 can perform on the court. He helped Djokovic deal with multiple elbow injuries and a muscle tear at the Australian Open 2021, which he then went on to win.

After picking up an injury in the third round of the 2021 edition of the Australian Open, Djokovic didn’t pick up a racket until the next match. He worked with Badio to minimize the pain to give him a shot at playing in the round of 16. Djokovic then sensationally won the title, defeating Milos Raonic, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev on the way. He credited Badio with helping him through this time and praised him, saying he had “magic hands.”

The much-loved Badio departs after failing to find an agreement with Djokovic. He is duly replaced by the experienced Zimaglia. Having previously worked with Milos Raonic and Brandon Nakashima, Zimaglia joins the Serbian’s camp ahead of the Adelaide Open. This marks the second change in team Djokovic this year. Long-time physio Miljan Amanovic took up a new role at the Novak Tennis Centre in April.

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Novak Djokovic’s backroom staff now consists of tennis coach Goran Ivanisevic, fitness coach Marco Panichi and Zimaglia. They will be looking to help Djokovic get up to speed as he aims for the 10^th Australian Open title of his career. He has taken advantage of Serbia’s nonparticipation in the United Cup to participate in the Adelaide Open.

The tournament starts on the 1^st of January and finishes on the 14^th of January, just in time for the Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of the year begins on 16^th January, with Djokovic being the 5^th seed. 2022 Wimbledon champion Djokovic will be keen to win the tournament he is the most successful player in.

Novak Djokovic aiming to rise in the rankings

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the Nitto ATP Finals

Djokovic will have nothing to lose coming into the 2023 Australian Open. The controversy at the last edition of the Slam led to the Serbian’s deportation, meaning he has 0 points to defend. This is a favorable situation for the star, with a good showing ensuring he moves up in the ranking.

Following Carlos Alcaraz’s stunning victory at the US Open and subsequent rise to ATP Number 1, veteran Djokovic will have set his aim. Having held the top spot for a record 373 weeks in his career, Djokovic will be keen to usurp the young Spaniard.

However, Djokovic will first be tested at the Adelaide Open, where multiple other stars from the ATP top 20 will compete. With Felix Auger-Aliassame, Holger Rune, and Jannik Sinner in the mix, the tournament will be the perfect preparation for the upcoming season.