Novak Djokovic has given an insight into his daily wellness routine that involves eating unusual foods like algae and seaweed. The veteran Serb has not won a Grand Slam in over two years, having failed to break his duck at the recent US Open. He appears to be nearing the twilight of his career at 38 years old but still boasts an incredible physique for his age.
Djokovic has always been one of the fittest tennis players in the world, having followed a strict regime over the years. He opened up on his nutrition in a recent interview with TheTennis101, explaining just how seriously he takes his diet. His first task of the morning is to pray before hydrating himself with a mixture of lukewarm water, lemon and salt.
“I would then take my hydration formula normally that I would want to hydrate myself with,” said Djokovic. “Something more than just the water.
“Just to replenish the electrolytes, minerals and get myself going. I like to have like fruits and smoothies, juice, or something to get some vitamin, multivitamin inside.”
Asked what his go-to smoothie is, Djokovic replied: “Mixed berries, dates are my favourite. I love dates, dates all day. I would add some hemp seeds, different seeds and stuff like this. Superfoods, maca powder, spirulina, although not great tasting.
“I have a green powder blend where I have all these, like seaweeds, but they taste well because they’re mixed with the other stuff, so I put a scoop of that in and I’m happy that it hides the horrible flavour.”
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae which is recognised as a superfood for its high concentration of antioxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Djokovic went on to reveal that he has banned himself from consuming one particular hot drink in order to reduce his caffeine intake.
“And no, no, I don’t take coffee,” he added. “I would maybe drink a green tea every once in a while that has caffeine. Then I would start to do [exercise].
“If I don’t necessarily have a tennis practice and I don’t have an obligation to train, I still want to be active, I still want to be outdoors for my wellness as well. I love to be swimming in the sea, biking, hiking, running, jogging.
“I like to play other sports too – football, basketball, padel, ping pong – whatever just to get some blood flow going. Once I satisfy that part of the active part of the day, I like to do the chilling part like possible sauna, ice bath etc.”
Meanwhile, it was recently reported that Djokovic was in the process of relocating his family to Greece. His two children have already been enrolled in a new school, while the family have reportedly found a place to live in Athens.