Novak Djokovic Reveals His Diet Hacks, Favorite Snacks and No-Sandwich Rule

Novak Djokovic’s discipline on court has long been matched by his careful attention to food, recovery and performance. In a fantastic interview by Karen Shimizu in Food & Wine, the 24-time Grand Slam champion opened up about the food, snacks and the rituals that help fuel his tennis life — along with a few personal treats that may surprise you.  

What are the daily food choices that support one of tennis’ most enduring champions? When prepping for tournaments, Djokovic says he focuses on “nutrient-dense foods,” including vegetables, ancient grains, sweet potatoes, seeds, nuts, fruit and high-quality proteins. Before matches, he keeps things simple and easy to digest, often turning to fruit. He also said he loves “a date smoothie with berries and plant-based protein.”

Photo credit: Cob Foods

Does Djokovic’s ever have cheat meals? Yes! Asked what he eats purely for joy, Djokovic named “greek feta cheese and dark chocolate,” specifically high-quality dark chocolate with 85% cacao or higher. And since moving to Athens, he's come to love watermelon with good feta cheese, calling it “refreshing, delicious, and satisfying.”

Djokovic pointed to Cob as his go-to snack, the popped sorghum brand he backs as an investor, telling Food & Wine that his favorite flavor is Mediterranean Herb. Another snack he enjoys — energy balls made from dates, nuts and cacao.

Photo credit: Cob Foods

Although Djokovic is famously gluten-free, he has fond memories of his parents’ pizzeria and said he loved the smell of fresh bread from the oven. Among the Serbian foods he wishes more people knew, he mentioned sarma — cabbage rolls traditionally stuffed with meat and rice, though he enjoys plant-based versions — as well as ajvar, a roasted red pepper condiment.

Given Djokovic’s well-known gluten-free diet, one answer was especially revealing. When asked about his favorite sandwich, his answer was direct: “I don’t eat sandwiches.”

If Djokovic wins another Grand Slam trophy, his ideal victory dinner would not be about extravagance. He described a relaxed meal with family by the water, with fresh vegetables, salads, conversation, laughter, dark chocolate, a glass of red wine — and, as he put it, “Gratitude would be the main ingredient.”

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Source: Food & Wine. Photo credit (top): Cob Foods.

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