38-year-old Novak Djokovic is still giving the young stars of the tennis world a run for their money. His fitness is to be credited for his elite performance at this age (Images via Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has offered a rare glimpse into the meticulous fitness routine that continues to fuel his career at 38, even as he battles tennis’ younger generation. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who reached the semi-finals of both Wimbledon and the US Open this year before bowing out to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, insists his daily habits are key to extending his career. “The very moment I wake up is always a prayer,” Djokovic told TheTennis101 in an interview back in May. “It’s always an expression of gratitude first of all for being alive and having another chance to live that day.”The 38-year-old revealed that his mornings begin with hydration, stating, “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.”
Watch the interview here Food also plays a central role in the Serbian’s diet. “I like to have like fruits and smoothies, juice, or something to get some vitamin, multivitamin inside,” he explained. Asked about his go-to blend, Djokovic listed: “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 acknowledged the use of a “green powder blend” to disguise the strong taste of seaweed. “They taste well because they’re mixed with the other stuff, so I put a scoop of that in and I’m happy that it hides the horrible flavour.”“And no, no, I don’t take coffee,” Djokovic said. “I would maybe drink a green tea every once in a while that has caffeine,” he added, which is most likely to come as a surprise for many of his supporters. Alongside nutrition, Djokovic listed what else he likes to spend his time on. “I love to be swimming in the sea, biking, hiking, running, jogging,” he said, adding that he also enjoys football, basketball, padel, and table tennis. His downtime includes “possible sauna, ice bath etc.”

Whether these routines will help Djokovic mount one last push for another major title remains uncertain, but his commitment to fitness and staying in shape is undiminished.