"His Speed Is Mainly Neurological": Revelations from Djokovic's Former Coach on the 38-Year-Old Machine
We thought we had seen it all. Yet, at 38 years old, Novak Djokovic continues to shatter the certainties of high-level sports.
His 2025 season, although less dazzling than his historical standards, nonetheless confirmed an essential fact: the Serb remains one of the most dominant athletes on the planet.
"His speed is not physical… it is neurological"
And the man who speaks about it best is undoubtedly Marco Panichi, his physical trainer for seven years, architect of twelve Grand Slam titles.
"With Novak, every exercise must have a specific reason. He wants to understand every detail. Nothing is ever routine. His speed is not only physical, but above all neurological.
Moreover, he reads the game before even seeing it, which is crucial. Because if a player does not anticipate, they are navigating by sight.
So he is a fluid and complete athlete. Because in the end, the winner is not the most muscular, but the one who moves best in space."
Could Djokovic be the most "intelligent" player in tennis history? Panichi does not say it explicitly, but his explanations paint a clear picture: Djokovic understands everything before everyone else.
