"Novak Djokovic and I have similarities but at the end we're different" - Jannik Sinner sheds light on hiring Serb's ex-physio and fitness coach
Jannik Sinner, who is competing at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, recently discussed his new collaboration with Novak Djokovic’s ex-physiotherapist, Ulises Badio, and ex-fitness coach Marco Panichi. The World No. 1 also touched on the similarities and differences between himself and the Serb.
Sinner recently added Panichi and Badio to his team, having parted ways with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, who were involved in his doping tests controversy. The duo first appeared in Jannik Sinner’s player’s box at the 2024 China Open last week, where he reached the final.
Speaking about their new partnership, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion said during his post-match press conference after reaching the fourth round:
"For sure they have a lot of experience, you know, in working with the world No. 1 for so, so many years."
Marco Panichi, who first collaborated with Novak Djokovic in 2017, officially joined the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s team in 2019. The pair parted ways earlier this year, after five successful years together. Meanwhile, Ulises Badio served as Djokovic’s physiotherapist from 2017 to 2022. Both coaches were key to the Serb's dominance as he leapfrogged his arch-rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Jannik Sinner acknowledged the duo’s experience in the field and highlighted their previous association.
"Also together, you know, Marco and Ulises, you know, working together, it's already a big help, because they know each other very well, which is for me very good, and very important also," he said.
"For sure, they can help me, you know, especially a little bit off the court, trying to see new things and trying where we can improve as a player. They have a lot of experience."
Sinner was quizzed about whether his physical likeness with Novak Djokovic facilitated his collaboration with the two. While the Italian agreed to the similarities, he pointed out that every athlete is likely to have their own unique preferences.
"We have some similarities, me and [Novak Djokovic], but at the end we are still different, so, you know, we have to try to adapt our, you know, whatever is best for me, and trying to understand. But this, it takes time," he explained. "But I'm very happy to have them on my team."
Jannik Sinner on working with Novak Djokovic's ex-physio and fitness coach: "I'm happy that they started quite early"
Following his opening-match win at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, Jannik Sinner also disclosed that he bonded with Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio fairly quickly.
"For sure it takes a little bit time to know each other a little bit better. But I feel very comfortable already with them," he said in his on-court interview.
"And we try to improve a couple of things; we try to change a couple of things, which hopefully makes me a better player and also a better person," the World No. 1 added. "So, I’m happy that they started quite early when I made the decision. This means very much to me."
After falling one win short of defending his China Open title, Jannik Sinner will hope to reign supreme at the Shanghai Masters alongside his new team members. The Italian is chasing his seventh title of the season and third in the Masters 1000 category.
After victories over Taro Daniel and Tomas Martin Etcheverry, he awaits the winner of Ben Shelton and Roberto Carballes Baena for a spot in the quarterfinals.