Novak Djokovic has been in top form this season winning three of the four Grand Slam titles making it difficult for NextGen players like Carlos Alcaraz, whom he defeated twice this year to carter more major titles in their trophy cabinet.
Djokovic’s Grand Slam tally got to 24 in September when he won the US Open tournament, surpassing fellow legend Rafael Nadal, who has 22 Slams. It is Djokovic’s well-charted lifestyle that has been touted to being the secret to his success as per a medical expert.
Dr. Brendon Stubbs delves into Djokovic’s comprehensive lifestyle
Novak Djokovic is well known for distancing himself from animal foods, stringent diet and relentless pursuit of success which has earned him praise and admiration from other players, fans and analyst. Dr. Brendon Stubbs, a leading scientist and one of his admirers has recently shared his experiences on Djokovic’s wellbeing.
The 36-year-old Serbian legend has had an outstanding career, winning the Grand Slam a record of 24 times and 36 Masters Title, even with his age he still sits as world no. 1 with plenty of points. He has been known for his perseverance in the court by winning most mentally taxing matches like the Cincinnati finals against Carlos Alcaraz.
Dr. Brendon Stubbs paid heed to Djokovic’s striking devotion during a conversation on the “Live Well Be Well” podcast, hosted by Sarah Ann Macklin.
In the fan-loved Spotify episode, Dr Stubbs shared, “..sort of that inner battle or mind control. It does separate the amazing players from you know, the absolute legend. Starting the day with mindfulness, meditation, and just really looking at his whole body, as one. So he is amazing.”
In a 2022 interview, Novak Djokovic stated that he cut out animal products after suffering from allergies since he was a child. Speaking of the positive impact that a change of diet had on his game, Djokovic said, “I don’t have allergies that I used to have any more. And I like it. Eating meat was hard on my digestion and that took a lot of essential energy that I need for my focus, for recovery, for the next training session, and for the next match.”
Nadal hails Novak Djokovic’s remarkable consistency
Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, during an extensive interview with Movistar+ acknowledged that he played fewer tournaments due to injury, adding that he wished to win more major titles upon his comeback, but it was unlikely.
Nadal said, “I missed four and a half years of Grand Slams due to injury, this is the reality. But that’s also sport. That’s why I’m not better than Djokovic, because I played less. He had a physique and a way of playing that allowed him to compete more than me. I have no choice but to recognize this, I did what I could. Sometimes I come back and win three Grand Slams, but it’s unlikely.”
Nadal then praised Djokovic’s fitness, saying the World No.1’s playing style helped him participate in more competition: “I would change many things in my life and my career. I have made wrong decisions when it comes to protecting my physique. Djokovic, he has done better because his way of playing has allowed him to play more than me. But I was wrong for thinking that my decisions were good.”
Hopefully, as Rafael Nadal returns to the court in 2024, tennis fans and lovers would want to see the two legends meet in one of the Grand Slam tournaments.
