While Novak Djokovic’s achievements may be no secret, very few might be aware of the recipe for his success. Back in 2010, when the Serb had won just a solitary Grand Slam title, he collapsed mid-match, and fitness issues became a long-standing problem. Subsequently, he got in contact with Dr Igor Cetojevic, a nutritionist and fellow Serb, who advised Novak Djokovic to follow a strict, gluten-free diet. It completely changed the Serb’s fortunes, and he was a force to reckon with on the ATP Tour and rarely got injured. Years later, the 24-time Grand Slam champion continues to follow this routine.

Djokovic is preparing to win a record 25th Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open. Ahead of the tournament, he was involved in an interview with GQ, during which he talked about a variety of topics – from his retirement plans to his goals for this season. Additionally, Djokovic also opened up about his food habits.

The Serb revealed, “When it comes to food, I’m quite religious. I like things to be clean and freshly prepared. I don’t like to be very—what do you call it?—explorer-like. Especially during a tournament.” Further, in his book Serve to Win, Djokovic also explained how his diet transformation changed the course of his career completely. Djokovic wrote, “Suddenly there was an X factor, a change in my diet that allowed my body to perform the way it was meant to.”

Switching to a gluten-free diet, Djokovic’s meals include vegetables, beans, fruit, nuts, seeds, chickpeas, lentils and healthy oils. The Serb starts his day with a glass of warm water and lemon, which helps his body to detoxify. Djokovic once even said that he eats “a breakfast perfectly calibrated to my body for the day ahead – the same breakfast almost every day of my life.”

Opening up about his celiac allergy and how it has gotten better after he switched to a plant-based diet upon his doctor’s recommendation, Djokovic said to Graham Bensinger on his YouTube Channel, “I am eating plant-based, you know, where I am not eating any animal products. So, it’s a really interesting journey that started in when, when you mentioned 2010.”

Indeed, Djokovic’s diet transformation has shown massive results on the court as he has gone on to become one of the sport’s most successful players. At 37, he still has the hunger to succeed at the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic remains confident about his Australian Open goals

The Serb has been stuck on 24 Grand Slam titles for over a year now, with his last major victory coming at the 2023 US Open. Additionally, with the Australian Open being his most successful Grand Slam tournament with 10 wins, the Serb feels that he can add a 25th major title from The Land Down Under.

During an interview, he said, “I just hope to, before I retire, get at least one more title there and that is the goal. And so I look forward to it. I love playing in Rod Laver Arena, the atmosphere is so good – summertime – people love their sport in Melbourne and Australia and so I should look forward to going there.”

However, Djokovic faces a stern test at the upcoming Australian Open. He has been handed a nightmarish draw and will face an in-form Nishesh Basavareddy of the United States. Can Djokovic achieve his dream of winning the upcoming Australian Open? Let us know your views in the comments below.