Djokovic Is Sticking To His Gluten-Free Diet

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 14th March 2013

Djokovic Is Sticking To His Gluten-Free Diet

epa03618669 Novak Djokovic from Serbia in action against Fabio Fognini from Italy during the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, USA, 10 March 2013. EPA/MICHAEL NELSON |

Novak Djokovic admits it can be tough to avoid the temptation of the Balkan foods on which he grew up. But the top seed at the Indian Wells Masters credits his mother’s home cooking during infrequent visits to his hometown of Belgrade with helping him stick to the dietary plan.

“I eat mostly at home, my mom cooks special food,” said the Monte Carlo-based world No. 1, who has been eating a disciplined gluten-free diet for several years and loving the results it produces on the court. “It’s hard, because in our country there is a certain kind of mentality towards the food. That is not very encouraging for gluten-free diet.”

Djokovic grew up the son of a pizza restaurant owner in a culture which features plenty of red meat, dumpling and sweet desserts. But he has avoided them all on a regular basis over the past few seasons in his rise to the top of the sport.

While admitting that he still appreciates the nosh of his childhood, Djokovic adds: “Delicious doesn’t mean it’s very good for you. So over the years I developed this resistance towards the delicious food.

“But it doesn’t mean that gluten-free products are not tasty. I love them. For me it’s absolutely normal now to have that food, and back home I love mom’s kitchen. That’s the most time spent eating there.”