How Many Calories Does Djokovic Eat a Day? A Look at the Champion's Diet

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition experts, top professional tennis players can consume between 3,500 and 5,000 calories per day, especially during intense competition. For an elite athlete like Novak Djokovic, this high-energy demand is met by a meticulously structured, plant-based, and gluten-free diet that fuels his remarkable endurance and success.

Quick Summary

Novak Djokovic's daily caloric intake fluctuates based on training and match demands, falling within the 3,500-5,000 calorie range common for elite tennis players. His energy is fueled by a strict, plant-based, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense dietary regimen.

Key Points

Estimated Calories: A top tennis player like Djokovic likely consumes between 3,500 and 5,000 calories daily, depending on training intensity and matches.
Gluten and Dairy-Free: His diet is strictly gluten-free and dairy-free following a diagnosis of sensitivity in 2010, a change credited with significantly boosting his performance.
Plant-Based Focus: While not strictly vegan, his regimen leans heavily towards plant-based foods, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Nutrient-Dense Meals: A typical day includes warm lemon water, a green smoothie, a "power bowl" for breakfast, and balanced meals like quinoa pasta and fish for dinner.
Strategic Fueling: During high-intensity periods, he uses quick-absorbing energy sources like dates and electrolyte-rich drinks to prevent energy crashes.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: The diet's emphasis on whole foods and avoidance of inflammatory triggers like gluten helps with recovery and reduces physical stress on his body.
Holistic Approach: Beyond diet, Djokovic integrates practices like intermittent fasting, proper hydration, and mindfulness into his overall wellness routine.

The Challenge of Estimating a Champion's Calories

Unlike an off-the-shelf diet plan, the precise number of calories consumed by a top athlete like Novak Djokovic is not a static figure. It varies significantly depending on his training load, whether he is competing in a long match, or resting on an off-day. During a high-stakes Grand Slam tournament, where matches can exceed four or five hours, his energy expenditure is vastly higher than during a lighter training period. Therefore, estimating his daily intake involves considering several key factors, including the baseline needs for an elite tennis player, the specific composition of his meals, and his adherence to principles like intermittent fasting.

The 3,500–5,000 Calorie Benchmark

For most professional tennis players, the daily calorie requirement typically falls within a range of 3,500 to 5,000 calories to sustain high energy levels and support muscle recovery. This wide bracket accounts for individual differences in metabolism, body weight, and activity intensity. Djokovic’s diet is specifically engineered to maximize the efficiency of this caloric intake by focusing on nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods that minimize inflammation.

Novak Djokovic's Specific Dietary Approach

In 2010, after a consultation with a Serbian nutritionist, Dr. Igor Cetojevic, Djokovic made a pivotal lifestyle change by eliminating gluten and dairy from his diet due to diagnosed sensitivities. This shift dramatically improved his energy levels, stamina, and concentration. He further evolved his eating habits toward a predominantly plant-based regimen, relying on whole, unprocessed foods.

Key Components of His Daily Meals

Djokovic's diet is built around a few core principles and consistent food choices to ensure his body receives optimal fuel. A typical day for the tennis star is structured to provide steady energy and reduce digestive strain.

Morning Ritual: Starts with warm water and lemon to detoxify and kickstart his metabolism. This is often followed by a dose of celery juice and a green smoothie rich in antioxidants.
Breakfast: A nutrient-dense "power bowl" is a staple. This typically includes gluten-free muesli or oats, mixed nuts, seeds, and berries.
Lunch: Focused on light yet nutritious carbohydrates and vegetables. Examples include quinoa salads, mixed green salads, or gluten-free pasta combined with vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, and pesto.
Snacks: Clean, sugar-free energy sources are preferred between meals or during matches. Favorites include dates for a quick boost, fruit, cashews, or avocado on gluten-free crackers.
Dinner: A protein-focused meal featuring fresh fish like salmon, organic chicken, or plant-based protein sources. This is paired with steamed or roasted vegetables and sometimes includes legumes or soup.

Sample Day vs. Intense Match Day Calorie Comparison


Meal	Typical Training Day	Intense Match Day	Caloric Difference	Source of Increase
Pre-Match/Training	Water with lemon	Electrolyte beverage, dates, energy gel	Substantial	Quick-absorbing sugars for immediate energy
Breakfast	Power bowl (gluten-free muesli, nuts, seeds, berries)	Power bowl with added honey and larger portions	Moderate	Natural sugars for sustained energy
During Match	N/A	Electrolyte drinks and energy gels	High	Fructose extract for on-court fueling
Lunch	Quinoa salad with vegetables	Quinoa pasta with pesto and larger portions	Moderate	Higher carbohydrate load for glycogen stores
Post-Match	Protein shake	Protein shake, electrolytes, recovery meal	Substantial	Replenishing depleted glycogen and repairing muscles
Dinner	Salmon with steamed vegetables	Larger protein portion with vegetables	Moderate	Muscle repair and recovery
Total Estimated Calories	~3,500	~4,500–5,000	Variable	Increased activity demands more fuel

The Holistic Rationale Behind Djokovic's Diet

Djokovic's approach is more than just counting calories; it's a holistic philosophy aimed at reducing inflammation, optimizing digestion, and improving mental clarity. By eliminating gluten and dairy, he found relief from long-standing respiratory issues and fatigue. The focus on unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods allows his body to absorb vitamins and minerals more efficiently, translating to enhanced endurance and faster recovery.

The Role of Hydration and Supplements

Staying properly hydrated is paramount for any athlete, and Djokovic has a specific regimen for this as well.

Daily Hydration: Starts his day with warm lemon water and consistently drinks fluids with added electrolytes.
During Play: Uses specialized drinks with fructose extracts to maintain energy levels.
Natural Boosters: He incorporates natural sources of energy, such as two tablespoons of Manuka honey daily, and dates.
Recovery Aids: Post-practice, he consumes an organic protein shake to support muscle repair.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Number

While the exact number of calories Novak Djokovic consumes varies with his intense schedule, it is estimated to be between 3,500 and 5,000 calories per day, aligning with the needs of other elite tennis players. However, the true key to his success lies not in the calorie count itself, but in the quality and meticulous composition of his food. His strict, customized, plant-based, and gluten-free diet, discovered after his gluten sensitivity diagnosis in 2010, is a cornerstone of his athletic longevity, endurance, and mental edge on the court. By focusing on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods, Djokovic ensures his body functions at its highest possible level, proving that precision nutrition is just as vital as physical training for a champion. For more insights into his wellness principles, his official website provides details on his approach to nutrition and health.

novakdjokovic.rs

Frequently Asked Questions

Elite professional tennis players generally need to consume between 3,500 and 5,000 calories per day to sustain the high energy demands of training and competition, depending on the intensity of their schedule.

After experiencing breathing difficulties and on-court fatigue, Djokovic was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity in 2010 by a nutritionist. Eliminating gluten improved his energy, stamina, and mental clarity.

While his diet is predominantly plant-based and he advocates for its benefits, Djokovic has previously distanced himself from the 'vegan' label. His diet primarily consists of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Djokovic often starts his day with warm water and lemon, followed by celery juice and a green smoothie. His breakfast typically includes a nutrient-dense 'power bowl' with gluten-free muesli or oats, mixed nuts, seeds, and berries.

During a match, Djokovic consumes energy-boosting items like dates and specialized electrolyte drinks with fructose extract for quick energy and sustained hydration.

Yes, Djokovic has stated that he practices intermittent fasting, often following a 16:8 schedule where he fasts for 16 hours and eats within an 8-hour window. He credits this practice with improving his digestion and energy levels.

The main staples include vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, and occasionally organic meat or fish. He avoids gluten, dairy, and processed sugars.

After adopting his tailored diet, Djokovic experienced immediate improvements in his physical and mental health. He felt lighter, had more energy, slept better, and saw a significant enhancement in his athletic performance, leading to a record-breaking season in 2011.