In a surprising move that has stirred the tennis world, Jelena Djokovic, wife of tennis legend Novak Djokovic, has issued a light-hearted yet pointed warning to Jannik Sinner. The Italian player recently hired two former members of Novak’s inner circle, ex-fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio, prompting Jelena’s humorous reaction.
After Sinner announced his new team members on Instagram with a selfie captioned, “Welcome to the team Marco and Ulises,” Jelena Djokovic responded with a playful comment, saying, “I will not give in!!!” Accompanied by laughing emojis, Jelena’s remark was a clear reference to the growing speculation that Novak’s former allies are slowly gravitating towards Sinner’s camp.
Panichi and Badio both played integral roles in Novak’s rise to becoming one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Panichi parted ways with Djokovic earlier this year, while Badio, who had been with the Serbian for more than five years, left the team in 2022. Their expertise is now being utilized by Sinner, who is aiming to build his own legacy after a doping saga forced him to overhaul his coaching staff.
Despite the changes in Novak’s team over the past few years, Jelena’s witty comment confirms that the Djokovic family remains tightly knit. While Novak continues to assert his dominance on the court, including a recent 45-minute Davis Cup victory, Jelena remains an outspoken and supportive figure by his side.
The Djokovic family has long been known for their close bonds, both on and off the court. Jelena’s latest response also reveals a lighter side to the drama surrounding her husband’s former team members jumping ship to Sinner’s camp. While some may see it as a potential rivalry brewing, Jelena’s tongue-in-cheek remark downplays the seriousness of the situation.
As Sinner continues to evolve his game with the help of Panichi and Badio, it’s clear that Djokovic’s legacy will still loom large over the tennis world, especially with his wife’s unwavering support and humor in the face of unexpected developments.
