Novak Djokovic is frighteningly dominating men’s tennis. In 2015 he won three Grand Slam titles (Majors), six Masters and his fifth world tour final, becoming the first to win the end of the year tournament four consecutive times.
He then started 2016 by winning the Australian Open for the sixth time.
Djokovic now has 11 Majors, six short of Roger Federer’s 17. He also has won 26 Masters, which is just one short of Rafa Nadal’s 27.
Considering his main rivals are an ageing Federer, Rafa and Andy Murray – all three of whom he is dominating at present – Djokovic looks set to substantially increase his tally.
His success is down to determination, Recognition of what is required, a target set for one’s self, and dedication to stick to it.
Let us go through the journey.
Life changed for Novak in 2010 after a nutritionist, Dr Igor Cetojevic, saw one of Djokovic’s regular mid-match collapses while surfing TV. Dr Igor conducted experimental tests and found Djokovic was allergic to gluten, strongly intolerant to wheat and dairy products, and mildly sensitive to tomatoes. Bread and cheese were forthwith banned. Dr Igor gave him a gluten-free diet for two weeks, and Djokovic felt lighter. Then, as an experiment, Igor gave him a bagel and, lo and behold the Serb felt sluggish and lethargic, confirming the gluten allergy.
The champ permanently switched to a gluten-free diet and he was world No.1 within 12 months. He has stuck to the diet ever since with monk-like perseverance.
The diet itself is based on vegetables, nuts, beans, chickpeas, seeds, lentils, healthy oils and lean meats. Djokovic cooks almost every meal himself. As a pro tennis player, he can’t avoid staying in hotels, so he lays down a condition for hotels that he will stay with them only if they will allow him to use their kitchen. He never uses his phone or computer while eating. He never watches television while eating his food, slowly and meticulously. Before eating he says a short prayer reminding himself of sticking to his diet. The results sure are reflecting in his performances.
(These diet details were revealed by the champion himself in his book, Serve to win).
A glaring omission in Djokovic’s glittering trophy cabinet is the French Open. Only seven champions have won all four Grand Slam titles: Fred Perry, Don Budge (all Majors in a year), Rod Laver (all Majors in a year twice), Andre Agassi, Roy Emerson, Roger Federer and Rafa.
Its not that Djokovic has done badly at the French Open, but six times – including twice in finals – he came up against the best clay court player of all time, nine-time winner Rafa. Djokovic’s best chances were probably 2011 and 2015. In 2011 he had defeated Rafa four times in a row and also had a 41-match winning streak before being defeated by Fed in the semi-finals. In 2015 too he must have indeed fancied his chances after defeating Rafa in the quarter-final, however Stan Wawrinka came up with a super display.
Pertinently, Federer is 34 and has lost his last seven Grand Slam matches against Djokovic. Similarly, Rafa had a 22-15 career lead against him but Djokovic has won nine of his last ten to go ahead at 24-23. He seems to have the measure of his two great rivals.
Other competitors are the unpredictable Murray and Wawrinka. While both have the game to win against Djokovic, his sheer consistency makes him clear favourites versus both of them. Djokovic may end up winning several more Grand Slams in the next few years unless some young stars come up.
Can he come close to Federer’s 17? Time will tell. Already he has given a veiled statement that Federer’s 17 can be challenged. I am sure he must be planning an assault on it.
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