Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players in the world, and a big part of his success comes from how he takes care of his body, especially with food. Over the years, he has shared how changing his diet completely transformed not only his performance on the court but also how he feels day to day.

Djokovic’s big turning point came around 2010 when he realized he was sensitive to gluten, a protein found in wheat and many common foods like bread and pasta. Before that, he often felt tired, sluggish, and struggled with breathing issues during matches. After removing gluten, he noticed huge improvements: he felt lighter, had more energy, slept better, and even recovered faster. He’s said that cutting out gluten was one of the most important things he ever did for his health.

After going gluten-free, Djokovic also started paying attention to other foods that might cause inflammation or discomfort, like dairy and refined sugar. The goal wasn’t just to play better but to feel healthier overall. He wanted to avoid foods that would slow him down or make recovery harder.

These days, most of Djokovic’s diet is plant-based. He focuses on vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and gluten-free grains like quinoa, brown rice, and buckwheat. While he doesn’t call himself a strict vegan, the majority of what he eats comes from plants. These foods give him the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants his body needs, and they’re also easy to digest, which is really important for someone who’s training and playing matches almost every day.

He usually starts his mornings with warm water and lemon, which he says helps his digestion and wakes him up gently. Sometimes he adds a green smoothie or superfoods like spirulina to get an extra boost of nutrients. Breakfast is often something like gluten-free oats or a smoothie bowl with fruit, seeds, nuts, and maybe a little honey. It’s filling, but not heavy, and it gives him energy for training or matches.

For lunch and dinner, he likes to keep things simple but nutritious. Big salads with lots of vegetables, some quinoa or other grains, avocado or olive oil, and sometimes lean protein like fish. He avoids processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients as much as possible. He also pays attention to how he eats—focusing on his meal without distractions, which he says helps with digestion and makes him feel more satisfied.

Snacks are usually things like fruit, nuts, or homemade energy bites made from dates and cashews. These give him energy without the crash that sugary snacks can cause. Hydration is another big part of his routine. He drinks plenty of water and sometimes coconut water to stay hydrated, especially during long matches or hot days on the court.

Overall, Djokovic sees food as fuel for his body. His approach isn’t about strict rules or trends; it’s about listening to his body, eating what makes him feel good, and avoiding foods that slow him down. He also combines this with other healthy habits like getting enough sleep, managing stress, and practicing mindfulness. Nutrition, for him, is part of a bigger lifestyle that supports both his physical and mental performance.

In short, Novak Djokovic’s diet is mostly plant-based, gluten-free, and focused on fresh, whole foods. It’s about fueling his body properly, recovering efficiently, and staying healthy for the long term. It’s not just about being a great athlete; it’s about feeling strong, energetic, and ready to take on whatever challenges come his way—on and off the tennis court.

More of this information you can read in a book called “Served to Win” whose author is Novak Djokovic.