In the world of tennis, where competition plays out on the court and athletic preparation is a silent yet fundamental art, figures like Marco Panichi represent the driving force behind champions’ successes. A highly experienced Performance coach, Panichi has made headlines not only for his talent and impressive CV but also for a concerning phenomenon: toxic fandom. On social media, this has taken a disturbing turn, shifting from playful banter to something far closer to stalking. Supporting an athlete with passion is one thing; relentlessly targeting professionals like him to the point of forcing them out of the public sphere online is another.
Who is Marco Panichi? A Career of Excellence
Marco Panichi is a name that carries weight in the international sporting world. A two-time Italian long jump champion and a graduate in Sports Coaching and Sports Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, he has built a career working with some of the biggest names in tennis. An Italian by birth, Panichi combines a scientific and methodical approach to athletic training with an acute ability to read the psychophysical needs of athletes, making him a key figure in his field.
His professional experience includes working with players such as Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini, but it was with Novak Djokovic that Panichi gained the most visibility. Joining the Serbian’s team in 2017, he contributed to 12 of Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles, a golden period during which the Serbian dominated the ATP circuit thanks to outstanding physical conditioning. Through his work, Panichi became one of the “Italian weapons” in the world number one’s team, as described by Fanpage, earning the respect of the tennis community for his dedication and expertise.
In September 2024, after parting ways with Djokovic—announced in an affectionate social media post by the Serbian himself—Panichi joined the coaching team of Jannik Sinner, the new rising star of world tennis. The announcement, made via an official Instagram post, marked a significant transition, bringing with it the experience of someone who had already helped shape a legendary champion. With Sinner, Panichi is now working to consolidate the young Italian’s dominance, a task that requires not only technical skills but also a long-term strategic vision.
The Djokovic Era: A Partnership of Success
The bond between Panichi and Djokovic was more than just a professional collaboration—it was a partnership built on trust and tangible results. Over their seven years together, Panichi refined Djokovic’s physical preparation, helping him stay at the top even at an age when many athletes begin to slow down. A well-known anecdote reveals the nickname Panichi gave Djokovic: “Mr Why” (Mister Perché in Italian). “He always asked so many questions,” Panichi recalled, highlighting the tennis star’s curiosity and dedication—qualities that perfectly complemented his scientific approach.
Their split in spring 2024 was amicable. Djokovic bid farewell to Panichi with an Instagram post, writing: “Thank you for all the work, dedication, and shared moments. I wish you all the best for the future.” A parting message that speaks to their mutual respect, but one that did not stop Panichi from looking ahead and embracing the challenge of working with Sinner at a pivotal moment in the young Italian’s career.
The Controversial Statement and the Social Media Storm
Panichi’s move to Sinner’s team was not without controversy, amplified by a statement that sparked an exaggerated reaction. In a March 2024 interview with SkySport, Panichi remarked that Djokovic’s defeat to Sinner in the 2023 Davis Cup semi-final may have had a significant psychological impact on the Serbian, marking a turning point in his performance decline in 2024.
“Io credo che, forse, da un punto di vista diciamo così mentale, la partita in Coppa Davis sia stata pagata un po’ di più da Nole.”
(I believe that, perhaps, from a mental perspective, the Davis Cup match took a greater toll on Nole)
This comment, made in a video later shared and discussed on social media, was a technical analysis based on his direct experience with Djokovic, not a personal attack. However, social media users interpreted his words in a polarising way—some Djokovic fans saw them as a betrayal or unfair criticism, while Sinner supporters welcomed them as confirmation of their idol’s superiority.
Some of Djokovic’s most devoted supporters, particularly those active within the so-called “NoleFam” on social media, perceived Panichi’s words as an attack on their champion. This led to a wave of criticism, with some members taking their passion to the extreme, turning social media platforms into battlegrounds. What began as an analytical remark turned into a heated online dispute, fuelled by misinterpretations and emotional reactions.
This polarisation had real consequences for Panichi. On social media, particularly on X, an escalation of hateful comments and aggressive criticism from some Djokovic fans turned his words into an offence against their champion. The pressure became unbearable, leading Panichi to close his Instagram account to protect his privacy and peace of mind—a move that reflects the intensity of online hostility. While traditional media, such as Fanpage and Eurosport, focused on Panichi’s career and his transition between the two players, it was the social media sphere that turned this statement into a full-blown media case, highlighting a larger issue.
Toxic Fandom and the Media: When Passion Becomes Dangerous
This episode sheds light on a growing problem in the world of sport: the increasingly blurred line between passionate support and obsessive behaviour. What could remain lighthearted banter or lively discussion on social media has instead turned into something more sinister—a form of digital harassment that affects not only players but also the professionals working behind the scenes. Panichi, a Performance coach who does not seek the limelight, has become an unintended target of this toxic online environment, forced to withdraw from social media to avoid further conflicts. It appears that Panichi had to close his Instagram account because of this.
The media does not help matters. Some outlets, reviving Panichi’s statement from March 2024, have been guilty of twisting or sensationalising his words in pursuit of clicks. His remark—purely a technical observation—was sometimes misrepresented or amplified on social media and in certain articles, framing it as a direct accusation against Djokovic and fuelling a narrative that never existed. We do not need extreme supporters like those seen in football, nor a brand of journalism that distorts reality just to generate traffic. Tennis, a sport of elegance and respect, deserves better.
A Final Reflection
Marco Panichi is a prime example of excellence in sport, a professional who has left his mark working with two of the greatest talents in modern tennis. His story should be celebrated for his achievements and expertise, not overshadowed by controversies driven by toxic fandom. It is time for fans—and those who report on the sport—to regain a sense of perspective. Passion is a powerful force, but when it becomes a weapon against those who work with dedication, it loses all value.
Panichi does not deserve this, and tennis does not need hooligan-like behaviour. What it does need is respect—both on and off the court.
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