Novak Djokovic’s latest highlight at Roland Garros: A farewell to Paris. The shot of the day from Djokovic’s match against Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo.
Novak Djokovic’s success is not built on a single day. It is the result of years of dedication to a single goal: becoming the best tennis player possible. With that mindset, he is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. In a podcast with Ben Johnson, the Serbian explained the daily routine he follows to extend his elite career at age 38.
“The moment I wake up, I always dedicate it to prayer. It’s always an expression of gratitude—first, for being alive, for having the opportunity to live another day,” Djokovic began, noting that he meditates before even having breakfast. Once his first daily step is done, it’s time to hydrate.
“I have a cup of warm water with lemon and salt. That’s my hydration formula to replenish electrolytes and minerals fully and get myself going. It’s more than just water,” he continued. Djokovic is known for being meticulous about his physique. This commitment even led him to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine, with the subsequent sporting consequences.
The Balkan star is a big fruit consumer, especially in smoothies and juices, to supply himself with vitamins and multivitamins. He prefers berry and date smoothies, adding hemp seeds, superfoods, and powders like maca and spirulina. “I love dates—I could eat them all day,” he said.
Caffeine is not part of his diet, or at least he tries to avoid it as much as possible. “I don’t drink coffee. Occasionally I drink green tea, which has a little caffeine.” The Serbian highlighted the nutritional value of spirulina and its benefits: “It’s a blue-green algae recognized as a superfood for its high content of antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It offers benefits for immune health, energy, and reducing oxidative stress,” he said.
For an athlete, nutrition is crucial, but so is an exercise routine. “I want to stay active and enjoy the outdoors for my well-being. I love swimming in the sea, cycling, hiking, running, jogging. I also enjoy playing soccer, basketball, padel, ping-pong—anything to improve circulation. Once I complete that active part of the day, I like to relax, whether in the sauna or with an ice bath,” Djokovic concluded.
Djokovic is a true athlete in every sense of the word. He treats his body like a machine that must be maintained daily. This obsession with his physical condition has allowed him to extend his career longer than anyone imagined. His intention is to reach the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—a goal that only he can achieve.
