NOVAK DJOKOVIC ENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH LONG-TIME FITNESS COACH MARCO PANICHI AHEAD OF TENNIS RETURN

NEW DELHI: Top-ranked Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic expressed gratitude to his long-time fitness coach, Marco Panichi, on Tuesday, marking the end of their partnership.

This follows Djokovic's recent decision to part ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic after a five-year collaboration. Panichi, an Italian, joined Djokovic's team in 2017, contributing to their successes on and off the court.

Reflecting on their years together, Djokovic shared his appreciation on Instagram, acknowledging their shared achievements, from winning titles to breaking records. He particularly valued the everyday training routines that shaped his career and character.

"What amazing years of collaboration we’ve had. We reached the summit, won titles, broken records. But most of all, I have enjoyed our most 'ordinary' days of training in and out of the gym," Djokovic wrote.

"(Thank you) for all the energy, effort and time you invested in making me the best possible player and person I can be. Much love."

Djokovic's decision to skip the Madrid Open underlines his focus on the coming Grand Slams and the impending Paris Olympics. However, he plans to compete in Rome, set to be played from May 6 to May 19 this year.

(Inputs from Reuters)