Nutrition Diet: When did Novak Djokovic change his diet?

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2011, Novak Djokovic experienced what many called the greatest single season ever by a professional tennis player, winning three Grand Slams and achieving a 43-match winning streak. This remarkable turnaround stemmed from a significant diet change, specifically when Novak Djokovic changed his diet in 2010 after meeting with a nutritionist who identified gluten and dairy sensitivities.

Quick Summary

Novak Djokovic's diet transformation in 2010, spurred by health issues, involved eliminating gluten and dairy. This shift significantly improved his physical condition and performance, leading to a record-breaking career. His current plant-based, gluten-free diet emphasizes whole foods and strategic eating patterns.

Key Points

Diet Change Year: Novak Djokovic initiated his significant diet change in 2010 after encountering nutritionist Dr. Igor Cetojevic.
Reason for Change: Prior to 2010, Djokovic experienced mid-match collapses, breathing difficulties, and general fatigue, leading him to seek help for suspected underlying health issues.
Initial Diagnosis: Tests conducted by Dr. Cetojevic revealed Djokovic had a strong intolerance to gluten and dairy, along with a mild sensitivity to tomatoes.
Key Dietary Adjustments: The primary changes involved eliminating gluten and dairy, moving towards a largely plant-based diet rich in vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Impact on Performance: The diet change led to immediate improvements in energy, sleep quality, and physical lightness, significantly reducing fatigue and respiratory issues.
Career Trajectory: Following the diet change, Djokovic had one of the greatest seasons in tennis history in 2011, winning three Grand Slams and achieving the world number one ranking.
Long-term Effects: Djokovic credits his dietary choices with his sustained success, increased endurance, faster recovery, and enhanced mental focus on court.
Not Universal: While beneficial for Djokovic, a gluten-free diet is not necessarily advantageous for everyone and should only be pursued based on diagnosed sensitivities or professional advice.

The Turning Point: Novak Djokovic's Dietary Shift

Before 2010, Novak Djokovic was a top player, but inconsistent performance and mid-match physical struggles, including respiratory issues and fatigue, raised concerns about his fitness. Despite intense training, he frequently experienced physical breakdowns during prolonged matches against elite opponents, even having to withdraw from significant tournaments.

The pivotal moment arrived in 2010 when Dr. Igor Cetojevic, a nutritionist, watched Djokovic play in the Australian Open and suspected a dietary issue was at the root of his problems. Cetojevic later conducted tests that revealed Djokovic had a strong intolerance to wheat and dairy products, along with a mild sensitivity to tomatoes. Djokovic, whose family owned a pizzeria, had always enjoyed bread, pasta, and pizza. This diagnosis came as a revelation, and he embarked on a two-week trial elimination of gluten from his diet. The results were immediate and profound; he experienced better sleep, increased energy, and a feeling of lightness. When he reintroduced gluten by eating a bagel, he felt fatigued and unwell, confirming the intolerance. This experience convinced him to fully commit to a gluten-free and eventually largely plant-based diet, which he detailed in his 2014 book, Serve to Win.

Impact on Performance and Health

The dietary changes had a significant impact on Djokovic's physical and mental well-being, directly translating into his on-court performance:

Improved Digestion and Energy Levels: Eliminating gluten and dairy reduced inflammation and digestive issues, leading to better nutrient absorption and sustained energy throughout long matches.
Enhanced Respiratory Health: Cutting out dairy, a common source of inflammation and mucus production, improved his respiratory health, helping to resolve the breathing difficulties he once faced.
Faster Recovery: A reduction in inflammation contributed to improved muscle repair and quicker recovery times between strenuous training sessions and matches.
Increased Mental Clarity: Djokovic has credited his diet with enhancing his focus and mental sharpness, vital attributes in high-pressure competitive environments. Substances derived from gluten may affect brain function by interacting with opioid receptors, potentially impacting concentration and judgment.
Weight Loss and Lean Body Composition: The dietary adjustments led to a healthier weight and maintained a lean physique, crucial for an athlete's agility and endurance.

Within 12 months of adopting the gluten-free diet, Djokovic lost 11 pounds and felt stronger and healthier overall. The very next year, 2011, saw him win three Grand Slam titles and reach the number one world ranking. He has since achieved a record-breaking career with numerous titles and periods as World No. 1, highlighting the profound influence of nutrition on his athletic success.

Novak Djokovic's Current Diet Regimen

Novak Djokovic's diet is now characterized by a disciplined, almost entirely plant-based approach with a focus on whole, unprocessed foods. He begins his day with warm water and lemon, followed by celery juice and a green smoothie containing ingredients like algae, spinach, kale, cucumber, carrots, and apple. His diet includes:

Vegetables, beans, white meat (initially, now largely plant-based), fish, fruit, nuts, seeds, chickpeas, lentils, and healthy oils.
Gluten-free muesli or oatmeal for breakfast, along with mixed seeds, nuts, berries, strawberries, banana, and yogurt (initially, likely plant-based now).
A preference for fruits and salads in the first part of the day to maintain light digestion for training.
Pseudo-grains like quinoa, millet, and wild rice, and vegetables such as sweet potato and regular potato (steamed or boiled).
Avoidance of cold water, opting for warm water and lemon instead.
Minimal sugar and processed foods.
Use of honey for natural energy.
Emphasis on hydration with water and electrolyte-rich foods/beverages.
Practice of intermittent fasting (16:8 protocol) to improve digestion, sleep, and energy levels.

Dietary Principles: Djokovic vs. Typical Athlete


Feature	Novak Djokovic's Diet Principles	Typical Athlete Diet (Traditional)
Gluten	Strictly avoided due to sensitivity.	Often includes whole grains (wheat, barley).
Dairy	Strictly avoided due to sensitivity.	May include dairy for protein and calcium.
Meat/Animal Products	Predominantly plant-based, minimal to no animal products.	Often includes significant amounts of meat for protein.
Sugar/Processed Foods	Strictly limited.	May be included in moderation or avoided.
Hydration	Warm water with lemon, celery juice, water, electrolytes.	Focus on water and sports drinks for electrolytes.
Fasting	Practices intermittent fasting (e.g., 16:8).	Less common, focuses on consistent energy intake.
Approach	Highly personalized, based on individual intolerance.	Often follows general guidelines, less personalized initially.

Expert Opinions and Broader Implications

Djokovic's success story is often cited as an example of how personalized nutrition can significantly impact athletic performance. However, experts emphasize that a gluten-free diet is not universally beneficial. While it proved transformative for Djokovic due to his diagnosed sensitivity, individuals without such intolerances may not experience the same benefits and could even face nutrient deficiencies if not managed properly. It is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals or registered dietitians before making drastic dietary changes, especially for athletes.

Nonetheless, Djokovic's advocacy has brought increased awareness to the potential impact of diet on health and performance. His plant-based leanings align with a growing movement towards more sustainable and potentially inflammation-reducing diets. {Link: Research on the effectiveness of plant-based diets in athletes continues to evolve https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/novak-djokovic-made-diet-change-gluten-free-what-eats}.

Conclusion

Novak Djokovic's dietary shift in 2010, driven by the discovery of gluten and dairy intolerances, marks a significant turning point in his illustrious career. By adopting a strict gluten-free and largely plant-based diet, he overcame persistent physical limitations, leading to enhanced digestion, energy levels, recovery, and mental clarity. While his specific diet may not be suitable for everyone, his journey underscores the critical role of personalized nutrition and informed dietary choices in achieving peak physical and mental performance, both in sports and everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Novak Djokovic first initiated his significant diet changes in 2010 after meeting with Dr. Igor Cetojevic.

Djokovic changed his diet primarily due to recurring physical struggles during matches, including fatigue, breathing difficulties, and mid-match collapses, which were later attributed to gluten and dairy intolerances.

Initially, Novak Djokovic eliminated gluten and dairy products from his diet. He later adopted a largely plant-based approach, also reducing or removing red meat and avoiding processed foods and refined sugars.

The dietary changes led to significant improvements in energy levels, endurance, recovery times, and mental clarity, which many credit as instrumental to his rise to World No. 1 and subsequent Grand Slam successes.

A gluten-free diet like Djokovic's is most beneficial for individuals with diagnosed gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. It is not necessarily suitable or beneficial for everyone and should be undertaken with professional guidance to avoid potential nutrient deficiencies.

Djokovic's current diet starts with warm water and lemon, followed by celery juice and a green smoothie. He focuses on plant-based foods, including fruits, salads, gluten-free grains like quinoa and wild rice, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. He also practices intermittent fasting.

Yes, Novak Djokovic wrote a book titled Serve to Win: The 14-Day Gluten-Free Plan for Physical and Mental Excellence, in which he shares his story and dietary principles.