Novak Djokovic confirms ‘new collaboration’ ahead of Australian Open

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he has cut ties with physio Ulises Badio ahead of the 2023 season.

Badio worked closely with Djokovic for five years, initially helping the Serbia overcome a serious elbow injury in 2017.

However, he came to be known by the tennis world in general as Djokovic hailed him as a ‘miracle worker’ for helping him win the 2021 Australian Open despite suffering an abdominal tear in the fourth round.

Djokovic will be back in Melbourne this year to attempt to regain his crown and draw level with Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam race, but he will do so with Claudio Zimaglia as his physio, not Badio.

“The beginning of a new collaboration,” Djokovic told SportKlub. “I ended my cooperation with Uli at the end of last season and started with Claudio.

ALSO READ: Top ten tennis stories of 2022: Roger Federer bows out, indomitable Novak Djokovic and more

“Miljan Amanovic will also return and travel for a certain number of weeks during the season.”

If the name Miljan Amanovic looks familiar, there is good reason. He has worked with Djokovic throughout his career, mainly from 2007 to 2017.

Novak Djokovic is hoping to play a much busier schedule next year than in 2022. He found himself restricted due to the vaccination requirements of some countries and was forced to miss everything played in the United States, including the US Open.

 Free >> Join our legendary newsletter

 Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB

 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

 Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

 Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner