Ulises Badio and the 24-hour job as Novak Djokovic's physiotherapist
Ulises Badio , Novak Djokovic 's physiotherapist, has spoken about working with the 21-time Grand Slam winner. As expected, it is extremely professional.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Jul 16, 2022, 02:14 pm
Ulises Badio's journey in the circus of tennis started almost exactly ten years ago. Specifically: "between 2011 and 2012." It all started as a physiotherapist on the ATP tour. It was also during this time that there was first contact with Novak Djokovic. Right from the start, Badio was certain: "As a physiotherapist, I've always had different goals since I was a child and it was always my dream to work with "the number one".
This was to be fulfilled years later: Ulises Badio started a collaboration with the long-standing Serbian number one in the world. "In 2017 Novak asked me if I wanted to join his team to treat him. He invited me to go to Roland Garros with him and we've been here ever since, together," the Argentine reflects in an interview with SPortal.rs .
Professional work in the Djokovic team
The fulfillment of a lifelong dream, but also a great burden, as Badio emphasizes: "The responsibility for a tennis player like Novak is 200%. When you treat an athlete at such a high level, you can always be on the verge of hurting him," says the Argentine, who had to adapt for his work with Djokovic: "You have to know in detail both his anatomy and your profession. For me it was very important to have a great experience in my field of work and in this case a being a little more open to an alternative and holistic philosophy. We work with him 24 hours a day."
For a player of the Djokovic brand, who - and almost all observers of tennis agree - works more professionally than almost anyone else, every detail is enormously important. And when in doubt, can decide between victory and defeat: "I follow him constantly, even when he's sitting, to see how he's standing, how much water he's drunk or whether he's been on the phone with someone for a long time: every little thing is important and can affect the game."
Djokovic: Close bond with physio
In addition to professional work, the man from Belgrade also attaches great importance to his team structure, which Badio also recognized in his early days in Team Djokovic: "When I came to the team, I knew how I had to work and what my job was, but I don't know what role I had in the team," said the Argentine. "However, Novak and I formed a strong bond and we got to know each other from the start. There was an important connection between us."
The journey on the ATP tour for Novak Djokovic and his team currently involves one thing above all: uncertainty. As of now, the Serb will miss the fourth major event of the year in New York City - and previously missed the entire North American swing due to the lack of a COVID vaccination. And that after Djokovic had cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time just a few days ago in Wimbledon.