Novak Djokovic outlines daily wellness routine and recovery aids behind his longevity
The 38-year-old credits superfoods, strict hydration and medical 'potions' for recent recoveries, and says he avoids coffee
Novak Djokovic has given a detailed account of the daily wellness practices he says help him remain competitive at 38, describing a mix of dietary rules, recovery techniques and medical treatments that underpinned recent comebacks and long-term fitness.
The Serbian, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, reached the semi-finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open this season before losing to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz respectively. He has previously credited a combination of surgery, physiotherapy and specialised remedies for a rapid return from a persistent knee problem and for mid-match recoveries after bouts of illness.
In an interview with TheTennis101, Djokovic described the first steps of his day as ritualised and focused on hydration and nutrient replenishment. "The very moment I wake up is always a prayer," he said. "And then I would hydrate. I would take lukewarm water, lemon and salt. I would then take my hydration formula normally that I would want to hydrate myself with. Something more than just the water. Just to replenish the electrolytes, minerals - and get myself going."
Djokovic said he favours fruit-based smoothies and nutrient-dense additions. "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!" He also said he uses a green powder blend that contains seaweeds and other concentrated sources of vitamins and minerals.
The world No. 1 also confirmed a strict avoidance of coffee. "And no, no, I don't take coffee," he said. "I would maybe drink a green tea every once in a while that has caffeine." He described remaining active outside formal practice — swimming in the sea, biking, hiking, running and informal play in sports such as football, basketball, padel and ping-pong — before incorporating passive recovery such as sauna and ice baths.
Beyond daily nutrition and exercise choices, Djokovic acknowledged less conventional elements that have played roles in his recoveries. He referenced "pyramid water" sourced from Bosnia and said his medical team has prepared special potions. He recalled a recent incident at Wimbledon in which he took what he called the doctor's "magic pills" during a first-round match against Alexandre Muller after being struck down by illness, a measure he said helped him recover during the contest.
Djokovic also pointed to surgical intervention last year for a persistent knee injury and the tailored rehabilitation that followed. Those procedures and the subsequent recovery programme allowed him to return to top-level competition, he said, and formed part of the broader regimen he now follows to manage his body across a long career.
Asked about his future, Djokovic said only that he remains grateful for each day and continues to prepare to compete. He has previously indicated hopes of adding to his major tally before retiring, but provides no firm timeline. Whether the combination of medical support, nutrition and recovery practices will produce further Grand Slam success will be determined on the court in the coming seasons.