Novak Djokovic once revealed being a “great student of wellness, well-being, health, and nutrition.” But would you believe that this dedicated student was once one of the most unfit players on the tennis circuit? Fans remember those days all too well. Djokovic often appeared fatigued, struggling to maintain his energy levels during matches. It might be surprising for many, but this was the reality that clouded the early years of the now tennis legend’s career. But, as the saying goes, “God helps those who help themselves,” and for Djokovic, help came in the form of his doctor, Igor Cetojevic.

It was 2010. Dr. Cetojevic, a specialist in energy medicine, who had no interest in tennis, was sitting at his home and surfing through television channels when his wife suggested that they should watch the quarterfinal clash of the Australian Open between Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Nole, who was known for multiple health crises and requesting numerous medical timeouts back then, was once again struggling with the match. 

Despite, two sets to one up against the Frenchman, he suffered another of the physical crises, an uncommon occurrence for such a young player. He had trouble breathing and vomited violently during a toilet break. His strength seemed to die down, as he won only four games in the last two sets ultimately losing to Tsonga. But this defeat clicked something for Dr. Cetojevic.

The doctor had some mutual friends with Djokovic’s father and through them, he requested to examine Novak after suspecting the issue. This opportunity arose in the Davis Cup of the same year. Examining the Serb, the doctor asked him to stretch out his right hand while placing his left on the stomach. He pushed down on his right arm and asked Nole to resist the pressure. He again repeated the crude test but this time, there was a slice of bread in Djokovic’s left arm, not to be eaten, but to hold in front of his stomach. Djokovic felt that his stretched arm felt weaker this time, and boom, the doctor had his conclusion.

The crude test was aimed to examine if Djokovic was sensitive to gluten, a protein found in breads. Further blood tests revealed that the Serb was also sensitive to dairy products, and refined sugar. He was also mildly sensitive to tomatoes. Djokovic was asked to cut out these elements from his diet. For Nole, it wouldn’t have been an easy task because cutting on these elements would be extremely difficult for someone whose parents own a pizza restaurant. But, the then 23-year-old decided to go against the odds and gave it a try. To his surprise, he soon started to feel better and lighter. And within 12 months, the entire story changed. 

As soon as Novak switched to a new diet, he lost 11 pounds, had better sleep, and felt much healthier. A major part of his current fitness, when he can still play five-set matches against the young players, can be attributed to his changed diet. In fact, the impact can be understood from his grand slam wins. Djokovic had won just one slam in 2008 at the Australian Open despite turning pro in 2003. But soon after changing the diet, he started showing his grandeur. In 2011 itself, Nole bagged three Grand Slams. And despite being one of the great players, Djokovic has not given up on his diet.

When Djokovic demonstrated resistance to an unhealthy diet on court

Djokovic had been private about his diet for a long time. But he finally opened up in his book Serve to Win. The tennis great had shown extreme resilience and resistance to unhealthy food, despite often craving for it. And a similar act caught attention in 2012.

After winning his almost six-hour battle with Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open, Djokovic had a craving to eat chocolate, which he had cut out completely for 18 months. The Serb was given one chocolate bar by his physiotherapist. But he broke off only one small square from the bar, let it melt in his mouth, and left the rest. Such acts highly speak of the success that he has achieved in his career.

Djokovic is one of the most meticulous people when it comes to food. He buys as organic food as possible and tries to cook most of his meals himself. In fact, he tries to choose only those hotels that would let him cook his own food during tours. It is for this probable reason that he could come out of the injury that he faced in the French Open and play a sensational game at Wimbledon.

With the Serb soon set to take over Carlos Alcaraz in the finals, it will be exciting to see if his strict diet schedule helps him achieve another victory for himself.