Novak Djokovic: My mind, insane diet, doctor and forgiveness

This paragraph delves into the early career of a tennis player who, by 2007, ranked third in the world and went on to win his first grand slam the following year. Despite his success, he faced numerous challenges including health issues related to respiratory problems and allergies, which affected his performance. A pivotal moment came in 2010 during the Australian Open, which he describes as one of the lowest points of his career. It was then that Dr. Igor Chetoevich entered his life, introducing him to quantum physics, biofeedback, and the concept of analyzing his emotional and mental state. This holistic approach, along with dietary changes, particularly eliminating gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, led to significant improvements in his health and performance on the court.

The speaker discusses his transition to a plant-based diet, attributing it to the need for more energy and focus during training and matches. He shares his daily diet routine, starting with warm water and lemon, followed by celery juice, and a green smoothie with superfoods. The paragraph also touches on his early life, mentioning his family's athletic background and how tennis was not a traditional choice in his family. He recalls the sacrifices his family made to support his tennis aspirations, including financial struggles and the emotional toll it took on them. The narrative also explores the offer to switch nationalities to British when he was 14, which his family ultimately declined, choosing to stay in Serbia.

This section highlights the player's journey to success, including the pivotal moment when he qualified for Wimbledon and achieved a top 100 ranking. He discusses the importance of mindfulness, meditation, and acknowledging his fears and ego to overcome challenges during clutch moments in matches. The player also reflects on his heartbreaking loss in the first round of the Rio Olympics, an experience that taught him about handling pressure and expectations. He talks about his respect for his rivals and how their interactions set an example for younger players, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and the influence of his family in shaping his resilience and determination.

The paragraph explores the player's personal life, focusing on his role as a father and the impact of having children on his life. He expresses gratitude for his supportive family and the sacrifices made for his career. The player also discusses the emotional challenges of being away from his children due to his tennis commitments and his desire to maintain a balance between his professional and personal life. He shares his hopes for his children's future and the importance of teaching them to be the best versions of themselves, regardless of the path they choose in life.

The player talks about his foundation's focus on early childhood development, explaining the importance of the formative years from zero to seven. He shares the story of how his foundation, initially helping various causes, shifted its focus to improving preschool programs in Serbia after learning about the lack of attendance from UNICEF. The foundation has since renovated and opened numerous kindergartens and works with parents to promote supportive parenting. The player also discusses the challenges of running a foundation in Serbia, including the issue of taxes on donations, and his long-term goals to extend the foundation's work beyond Serbia.

In this section, the player reflects on the impact of his success on the perception of Serbia. He discusses the power of sports to unite people and improve a country's image, particularly in the West. The player also talks about his discomfort with the attention and visibility that comes with success, including his name and picture appearing around town. He expresses his love for Serbia, not through the lens of politics, but as the country that nurtured him and allowed him to grow into the person and tennis player he is today.

The player shares his ability to speak multiple languages, including Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish. He emphasizes the importance of learning a few phrases in the local language when traveling as a sign of respect to the country and its culture. Although he mentions that he doesn't enjoy traveling as much as he used to, especially when he's away from his family for extended periods, he has learned to handle it emotionally and mentally, focusing on his tennis career and the love for the game.

The player takes a trip down memory lane, visiting his old tennis club where he spent most of his childhood. He reminisces about the hours spent playing social games, resting, and training. Despite the existence of more modern clubs, he highlights the rich tennis tradition of his old club. The player also discusses his training routine, focusing on balance, weight transition, and shot length. He shares insights into his serve technique and the changes he made to avoid injuries. The paragraph ends with a light-hearted moment of yoga and stretching exercises, showcasing the player's camaraderie with his training partner.