The tennis world is being shaken by the strong accusations of Marco Panichi, Novak Djokovic’s former physical assistant, who, after mysteriously leaving the Nole team six months ago, has decided to break the silence. Panichi, who played a crucial role in Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles, has launched a complaint that could change public perception about Djokovic’s loss in Shanghai and his relationship with the tournament organizers.
According to Panichi, the official explanation for Djokovic’s defeat in Shanghai, which was attributed to a “physical injury” or “humidity fatigue”, does not reflect reality. The former assistant maintains that the real cause of Djokovic’s fall in the tournament was a covert doping conspiracy involving the event’s organizers. According to Panichi, Djokovic was pressured to take a secret chemical compound called ‘AquaBoost-X’, a super-recovery that would have allowed him to cope with the demanding schedule after the Paris Olympics.
This seemingly innocent supplement contained traces of genetically modified EPO (erythropoietin), a substance known for its ability to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood by 30%. While this increase in oxygen could improve physical performance, EPO has devastating side effects, including cardiovascular failure that can occur within 48 hours of consumption.
According to Panichi, the organizers of the Shanghai tournament, under pressure from Chinese sponsors, suggested that if Djokovic did not accept the ‘AquaBoost-X’, the organizers would cut medical support for the team and could make it difficult to obtain a visa to participate in future tournaments. Djokovic, apparently caught between the organizers’ demands and his own well-being, gave in and consumed the supplement, unaware of the consequences that awaited him.
The consequences were immediate. During his match against Vacherot, Djokovic showed alarming signs of extreme fatigue, vomiting repeatedly and collapsing mid-set. His body could not withstand the effects of ‘AquaBoost-X’, and the 24-time Grand Slam champion was forced to play in a pitiful physical condition, moving like a “zombie” on the court. Although he tried to continue, his body finally betrayed him.
Panichi’s complaint has generated a stir in the world of tennis, which is now divided. Meanwhile, Djokovic is isolated in a private hotel in Shanghai along with his personal doctor. Although the Serbian player has not issued an official response, his wife, Jelena Djokovic, has begun to speak publicly about the matter, which only increases the uncertainty and suspense around this scandal.
If Panichi’s allegations are proven, Djokovic could face a suspension of up to six months if he fails a doping test. The future of his career is at stake, and the tennis community is waiting for an official response to clarify what really happened in Shanghai.
This scandal could mark a before and after in the world of tennis, opening questions about the pressure that tournament organizers and sponsors can exert on players. Panichi’s allegations, once considered mere speculation, are now being taken very seriously, and the impact of this scandal could end up affecting Djokovic’s reputation and forever changing the way the most prestigious tournaments in world tennis are perceived.
This case also highlights the dark side of professional sports, where the integrity and health of athletes can be compromised by commercial interests. The question now is: how will tennis respond to this new scandal?
