Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic: A Contrast in Dietary Approaches

Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of men’s tennis, has made headlines not only for his achievements on the court but also for his refreshing take on diet, which sharply contrasts with that of Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

At just 21, Alcaraz has already secured four Grand Slam titles, including his second Wimbledon championship this past summer. He has established himself as a formidable opponent for Djokovic, recently besting the legendary Serbian in two consecutive major finals. Despite their competitive rivalry, the two players have notably different philosophies regarding nutrition.

In an interview with ATP, Alcaraz emphasized his relaxed attitude toward food: “I don't have any restrictions. Whatever I want, I eat it. I try to take care of myself a lot, but if something I like comes along, I'm happy to eat it.” He described his diet as abundant in pasta, salads, and rice, stating that he is fortunate to eat a lot without gaining significant weight.

Conversely, Djokovic has adopted a stringent dietary regimen shaped by his discovery of gluten intolerance in 2010. He has since eliminated gluten and refined his diet to enhance his performance. Djokovic stated, “The principles of decision-making on my body are more important than any title or anything else.” He believes that this approach is crucial for his success, saying, “Physically, I couldn't compete... but then, lo and behold, I made some changes, and that transformed everything.”

While Alcaraz enjoys a carefree diet, Djokovic’s meticulous focus on nutrition reflects a deep commitment to optimizing his physical and mental capabilities. This fundamental difference in their approaches highlights the diverse paths athletes can take to achieve success in the highly competitive world of professional tennis.