The 37-year-old Serbian tennis ace, Novak Djokovic, currently ranked world number 1 in men’s singles tennis, recently added a crowning achievement to his illustrious career—a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This victory not only fulfills one of his lifelong dreams but also marks a significant milestone in a career already decorated with 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic’s journey to Olympic gold in Paris is more than just a testament to his undying commitment and skill on the tennis court; it also casts a spotlight on his dietary choices, which have often been as scrutinized as his backhand. Years ago, Djokovic made a pivotal shift to a plant-based diet, a decision initially met with skepticism amid a sporting world where traditional high-protein, meat-centric diets have long dominated.

Back in 2007, despite being ranked third in the world, Djokovic faced significant health challenges that hindered his performance. Plagued by what he described as allergies or a mild version of asthma, he struggled particularly during matches. Djokovic revealed that no amount of training adjustments or even nasal surgery seemed to help. His transformation began after meeting Dr. Igor Cetojevic, who helped him overhaul his diet by initially removing dairy, gluten, and refined sugars, and eventually transitioning to a completely plant-based diet.

Speaking at a post-match conference during Wimbledon 2019, Djokovic attributed his swift recovery times to his plant-based diet, noting, “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.” His remarkable performance, culminating in a win against Roger Federer in a grueling five-set final, stood as a testament to his dietary choices.

Critics often argue that vegan diets, particularly in the realm of professional sports, rely too heavily on ultra-processed foods, which could detract from the health benefits of avoiding animal products. However, Djokovic’s enduring energy and resilience on the court offer a counter-narrative to this perspective. He continues to dominate, attributing his peak physical condition and quick recovery times to his plant-based lifestyle.

At the Australian Open, Djokovic shared insights into his diet, emphasizing its role in his sustained energy and performance during long matches. He confidently stated, “It is possible to be plant-based and recover well, to have strength, to have muscles. I seem to have an optimal balance between strength, power, and speed, and nothing seems to be missing from my experience, so I’ll keep on enjoying that.”

Further exploring the philosophical underpinnings of his diet in a 2020 interview with Essentially Sports, Djokovic expressed, “It’s a lifestyle. More than just a diet because you have ethical reasons as well. Being conscious of what is happening in the animal world, the slaughtering of animals and farming, and everything, there is obviously a huge impact as well on climate change that people maybe don’t talk about as much. It’s more than a performance for me, it’s a lifestyle. Something that I’m really proud of and hopefully that community grows.”

Djokovic’s commitment to a plant-based diet also led him to become an executive producer for the 2018 documentary The Game Changers. The film, which highlights the benefits of plant-based eating for athletes, aligns with his experiences and advocacy for dietary changes that support both health and performance.

As Djokovic continues to challenge conventional dietary stereotypes in sports, his journey reflects a broader movement among athletes who are proving that peak performance does not necessarily require animal products. His success is not only reshaping his own life but also inspiring others to consider how their food choices affect their health, performance, and the planet.