Novak Djokovic’s Secrets to Maintaining Peak Performance

One of the greatest tennis players in the world, Novak Djokovic, who has been ranked as the “number one” tennis player by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for a record total of 428 weeks, has delivered stellar performances in his tennis career across numerous high-stakes tennis tournaments over the years. The Serbian professional tennis player has clinched a total of ten Australian Open titles (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023), three French Open titles (2016, 2021 and 2023), five US Open titles (2011,2015, 2018 and 2023) and a phenomenal second-highest total of seven Wimbledon men’s singles titles (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022), speaking volumes about his dominance on the game. Additionally, as of 2024, Novak Djokovic is the only tennis player to complete a “career golden master” and a triple career grand slam. 

In this article, we will take a look at the top five secrets of Novak Djokovic behind his illustrious tennis career

• Novak Djokovic’s ‘Secret’ Diet 

Although the tennis stalwart is hailed by millions of fans around the globe, a majority of them are not aware of the fact that Novak Djokovic is extremely particular about what he consumes. In one of his recent interviews, Novak Djokovic revealed that he strictly follows a “gluten-free” diet and consumes only plant-based and organic foods. For those who don’t know, Novak Djokovic’s parents own a pizzeria, therefore to adopt a “gluten-free” diet took a lot of extra effort and discipline for him. 

Novak Djokovic’s day typically starts with a warm glass of water with lemon that helps him in detoxifying his body and keeping him fresh, and a few staples of Novak Djokovic’s healthy diet during the day includes chickpeas, beans, white meat, vegetables, lentils and fish. Novak Djokovic’s healthy bowl includes berries, strawberries, yogurt, banana and gluten-free muesli followed with a healthy smoothie and celery juice. Novak Djokovic is also fond of carrot and ginger soup and consumes it along with his evening snack, chopped apple with cashew butter. 

•  Novak Djokovic’s Fitness Regime

Contrary to the hardcore workout sessions, the Serbian tennis star, Novak Djokovic sticks to Yoga and Pilates in order to improve and boost his physical flexibility, build his muscles stronger and avoid any serious injuries while training and playing hardcore tennis games. In one of his interviews, Novak Djokovic revealed that his motivation for hitting the gym is “stronger muscles” and not getting too bulky. Novak Djokovic’s fitness regime that includes butt kicks, high knees, arm circles, in-and-out hops and fast-paced running is focused on making him last longer on the tennis court against his opposition with unwavering strength and agility. 

• Novak Djokovic’s Mental Health Regime

While Novak Djokovic has been praised by millions of fans from around the world, he has also been criticized for his poor performance in crucial matches due to injuries. In order to keep himself sane, Novak Djokovic practices meditation and mindfulness exercises on a regular basis. While Djokovic’s physical fitness regimes train him to be dominant and consistent on the tennis court, his dedication towards meditation keeps him mentally strong and focused on the game without getting overwhelmed by a great deal of appreciation or brutal criticism.

• Novak Djokovic’s Pre-Match Diet

As mentioned earlier, Novak Djokovic is extremely strict and particular about his gluten-free and sugar-free diet. He avoids all sorts of junk food and also ensures to consume food that keeps him energetic throughout his intense matches on the tennis court. Novak Djokovic consumes lean meat and whole grains before his match and stays adequately hydrated, which helps him significantly in the post-match recovery routine.

• Novak Djokovic’s “Secret” Conditioning

While you must have seen athletes rigorously indulging in stretching and other workouts just before their matches in order to maintain their fitness and agility in their sports forms, Novak Djokovic has an unpopular habit of training in the mountains at higher altitudes to build his endurance. The Serbian tennis player recently revealed in an interview that activities like hiking in high-altitude areas help him increase his endurance to the maximum level possible. Since the tennis stalwart hails from the land of Serbia, there’s no doubt why mountains and high-altitude areas motivate him to achieve more and more.

Also Read: Andy Murray To Retire From Tennis After Wimbledon?