Why Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic Are Tennis’ Ultimate Physical Beasts (According to the Guy Who Trained Them)
Let’s be real for a second: we all like to pretend we know what it takes to be a top-tier athlete like Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic. We watch a five-hour Wimbledon final from the comfort of our couch, stuffing our faces with nachos, and scream, “Run faster!” as if we wouldn’t pull a hamstring just trying to find the remote. But Marco Panichi? He actually knows. And when a guy who has spent seven years constructing the physical machine that is Djokovic speaks, you tend to listen.
Recently, Panichi dropped some serious truth bombs about the current state of physical fitness on the ATP tour, and if you’re a fan of the “Big Three” nostalgia or the “Next Gen” hype train, you might want to buckle up. According to him, there are only two names that truly sit at the summit of physical perfection right now: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
The Panichi Pedigree
Before we dive into the juicy details, let’s establish why Panichi’s opinion matters more than your uncle’s rant at Sunday dinner. This is the man who sculpted Djokovic during some of his most dominant years. He’s seen the meticulous, almost obsessive dedication it takes to keep a body moving like fluid rubber well into its thirties.
He also spent a year with the current young king, Jannik Sinner. And now? He’s tasked with rebuilding Holger Rune, a player whose talent is undeniable but whose body sometimes seems held together by hope and kinesiology tape. Panichi isn’t just a trainer; he’s a tennis whisperer for the muscles.
The Suspension That Wasn’t a Nightmare
One of the most fascinating takeaways from his recent interview with La Repubblica wasn’t just about squats and sprints; it was the human element behind Sinner’s recent doping controversy. We’ve all seen the headlines, the hot takes, and the Twitter (sorry, “X”) threads declaring the end of integrity in sports. But Panichi paints a different picture.
He described the three-month suspension period not as a dark cloud, but as “one of the best moments” of his professional life. Just let that sink in. In the middle of a PR storm that would break most people, Panichi and Sinner were just… grinding. Having fun. Working with respect. It adds a layer of humanity to Sinner that often gets lost behind his stoic, sniper-like demeanor on the court. It reminds us that these “machines” are people dealing with immense pressure, and sometimes, the best work happens in the shadows when the cameras are off.
The Djokovic Difference: More Than Just Yoga
Then there’s Nole. Panichi’s description of Djokovic is exactly what you’d expect, yet somehow still awe-inspiring. He talks about Djokovic’s “obsessive discipline” and “impeccable attention to detail,” which is basically code for “this guy is a relentless perfectionist.”
But here’s the kicker: Panichi mentions he often had to slow Djokovic down. Imagine that. Most athletes need a kick in the pants to do that extra set of burpees; Djokovic needs someone to tell him to stop dancing on tables or doing imitations. It paints a picture of a guy who isn’t just physically gifted, but mentally voracious. He wants to learn everything, try everything, and master everything. It’s that curiosity—that refusal to be stagnant—that separates the GOATs from the merely great.
The Snub Heard ‘Round the World?
Now, for a bit of spice. When asked about the fittest players, Panichi didn’t hesitate: Djokovic and Sinner. He gave a nod to Fognini’s athletic ability (who knew?) and praised Rune’s resilience against drop shots. On the women’s side, he rightfully bowed down to Iga Swiatek’s legs (honestly, same) and Jasmine Paolini’s strength.
But did you notice who was missing? Carlos Alcaraz.
Yeah, the guy who runs down balls that technically shouldn’t exist in this dimension. The guy who turns defense into offense with a smile. Panichi left him out of the “best physical shape” conversation. Is it a slight? A simple oversight? Or does Panichi see something in the efficiency of movement that we mere mortals miss? Alcaraz is explosive, sure, but Panichi seems to value that “decathlete” balance—not too explosive, not too resistant, but the perfect middle ground. Perhaps he views Alcaraz as relying too much on raw power over engineered efficiency. Or maybe he just forgot. Either way, it’s a glaring omission that is sure to fuel some fan debates.
The Secret Sauce: No More Robot Reps
If you’re looking to get into Sinner-level shape (good luck), Panichi’s philosophy is surprisingly fun: stop being a robot. He hates repetition. He believes it leads to stagnation. His method? Imagination.
He’s talking about canoeing, ice skating, singing karaoke, and dancing on tables. It sounds less like a training regimen for a Grand Slam champion and more like a bachelor party itinerary, but there’s a method to the madness. It’s about keeping the mind engaged so the body follows. It’s about managing emotions through improvisation.
So, the next time you feel guilty for skipping the gym to go do something fun, just tell yourself you’re on the “Panichi Protocol.” You’re not slacking off; you’re building the mental fortitude of a champion. Probably.
