Novak Djokovic’s plant-based lifestyle: The dietary secrets behind Wimbledon legend’s success
Novak Djokovic is gunning for a record-equalling eight Wimbledon title in 2023, as he aims to draw level with Roger Federer.
Djokovic has not lost a match at the All-England Club since 2017, winning the last four men’s singles titles in a row.
One of the foundations of the Serb’s record-breaking success is his plant-based diet, which he has credited with helping to elevate his performance levels.
But what exactly are the dietary secrets behind his success? Why did he change his diet in the first place?
Read on below for everything you need to know about Novak Djokovic’s vegan diet.
Is Novak Djokovic vegan?
The 36-year-old has followed what he defines as a plant-based diet for a number of years.
Djokovic has said that he avoids animal foods, but he has previously distanced himself from the term ‘vegan’, as he believes many people are guilty of misinterpreting the word.
In a 2022 interview, Djokovic stated that he cut out animal products after suffering from allergies since he was a child.
A medical test found that these allergies were predominantly to gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. His diet is also gluten-free as a result.
Speaking of the positive impact that a change of diet had on his game, Djokovic said: ‘I don’t have allergies that I used to have any more. And I like it,’ he said.
He also revealed that he phased out red meat from his diet, after sharing that he had trouble digesting it, stating: ‘Eating meat was hard on my digestion and that took a lot of essential energy that I need for my focus, for recovery, for the next training session, and for the next match.’
The seven-time Wimbledon champion’s diet saw him listed as an executive producer of the 2018 documentary Game Changers, which highlighted the benefits of plant-based diets for men and athletes.
Djokovic has also revealed that he does not eat foods that take too long to digest, saying he ‘prefers to keep things light.’
He usually starts his day with three liquids: hot water with lemon, celery juice and a green smoothie containing ‘superfoods,’ which he cites for giving him enhanced ‘mental clarity.’
For lunch and dinner, he will often eat a salad featuring whole grains, such as quinoa wild rice and sweet potato, to give him all the nutrients he needs to be at his best o court.
