Novak Djokovic details wellness routine behind Wimbledon 'miracle' recovery
The 38-year-old credits hydration, superfoods and unconventional remedies — and says he does not drink coffee — for sustaining elite performance after knee surgery and an on-court illness
Novak Djokovic has outlined the daily practices he says underpin his longevity in men’s tennis, describing a regimen of targeted hydration, superfoods and a mix of unconventional remedies that he credits with helping him recover from injury and illness.
The 38-year-old Serb, a record 24-time Grand Slam champion, spoke to TheTennis101 about methods that range from a morning prayer and a bespoke hydration formula to what he called “magic pills” administered by his medical team during a mid-match illness at Wimbledon. Djokovic also referred to items such as "pyramid water" he has used in the past and a "magic potion" prepared by his physios after he underwent knee surgery in 2024 and later made a rapid return to competition.
"The very moment I wake up is always a prayer," Djokovic said in the interview. He said hydration is the first physical step of his day, describing a routine of lukewarm water with lemon and salt followed by a commercial or bespoke hydration formula to replenish electrolytes and minerals. He said he generally starts the day with fruits, smoothies or juice to get vitamins into his system.
Asked about his favourite smoothie, Djokovic named mixed berries and dates and noted he often adds seeds such as hemp as well as powders such as maca and spirulina. "I have a green powder blend where I have all these, like seaweeds," he said, adding that the blend is mixed with other ingredients to improve the taste. In a notable dietary admission, Djokovic said, "And no, no, I don't take coffee," adding that he might have a caffeinated green tea from time to time.
Djokovic described an active approach beyond structured tennis sessions. Even on days without court work, he said he aims to be outdoors for activities such as swimming in the sea, biking, hiking, running and informal games of football, basketball, padel or ping-pong to promote blood flow and general fitness. He also said recovery practices such as sauna and ice baths are part of the routine when possible.
The comments come after a season in which Djokovic reached the semifinals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open before being defeated by younger rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz respectively. Earlier, Djokovic underwent surgery on a troublesome knee in 2024 and made a rapid comeback, a recovery he has attributed in part to bespoke treatments and close work with his medical and support staff.
During Wimbledon this year, Djokovic said he benefited from medical intervention after he was struck by illness during his first-round match against Alexandre Muller, crediting his team’s treatments with helping him continue in the tournament. He did not offer detailed medical explanations beyond describing pills and preparations provided by team doctors and physios.
Djokovic framed elements of the routine as practical steps to maintain performance rather than guarantees of future results. He said his approach is rooted in gratitude and consistency: "It's always an expression of gratitude first of all for being alive and having another chance to live that day," he told TheTennis101. While he has spoken in the past about hopes to extend his competitive career and possibly add another major title, Djokovic’s statements focused on daily practices and recovery methods that have kept him competitive at the highest level.
The remarks add to a public record of players increasingly discussing individualized nutrition, hydration and recovery strategies as part of elite sport. Djokovic’s blend of conventional sports science, dietary supplements and unconventional remedies reflects a wider emphasis on personalised support teams for top players, particularly as they aim to preserve performance into their late 30s.