Mystery over Novak Djokovic’s bizarre habit with a drinking bottle after the star appeared to INHALE the contents after looking towards his support team in crucial Wimbledon clash
- Wimbledon seed Novak Djokovic seen ‘inhaling’ from a bottle
- Many tennis fans were puzzled, with a report indicating that it is probably an isotonic powder
- Ingesting the powder during matches is said to give players an energy boost
- Isotonic powder is easily digestible and aims to quickly replenish energy levels
Novak Djokovic’s bizarre habit of seemingly inhaling the contents of a bottle of drink during his Wimbledon quarter-final match has caused a stir among tennis fans.
The men’s seed, who faces British hopeful Cameron Norrie for a place in the final, has been the subject of debate on social media after he was seen appearing to inhale from a drink bottle during a change next to.
The Serb appeared to stare towards his support team sitting pitchside in their last 16 win over Tim van Rijthoven before appearing to inhale the content rather than drink it.
One fan said, “I would love to know what was in that bottle. It certainly wasn’t liquid, and he waved at his trainer before inhaling it. Very strange.’
According The Telegraph, the Serbian star, 35, is one of many professional players who choose to take unmixed energy supplements or isotonic powder during matches.
“You wouldn’t get any advantage doing it mid-game, but I’m sure it’s isotonic,” a source told the publication.
“A lot of players started eating powder, even isotonic powder before training.
An unnamed source, quoted by The Telegraph, said Novak Djokovic, 35, is one of many professional players who choose to digest unmixed energy drinks or isotonic powder during matches (pictured).
“They started eating it without water. It’s mostly pre-workout stuff because it gives it a buzz.
I imagine it is disgusting in the throat. It’s weird, but that’s what they do.
The isotonic powder is easily digestible and quickly replenishes carbohydrates when energy levels need to stay high during such elite and intense competition.
These supplements are usually taken by dissolving the powder in water and then drunk before or during exercise to ensure the body can function at peak levels. Taken with water, it softens the metallic taste and rehydrates the body.
Isotonic products can be used to boost energy levels before performance or are often used during endurance sports to restore energy that has been lost during exercise.
Supplements vary in strength depending on exercise intensity and duration.
It is common for tennis players to have nutritional drinks and snacks during matches, especially when going up to five sets.
Djokovic was actually involved in a five-set thriller when tennis fans started commenting on pulling something out of a plastic bottle with the No. 1 seed coming back from two sets down to beat Jannik Sinner 5- 7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Djokovic will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie in Wimbledon semi-final after beating Jannik Sinner
The top seed faced similar questions at the Australian Open two years ago and joked, “Liquids were magic potions that my physio brews in his lab,” when asked what what was in his drink bottle.
Djokovic is gluten intolerant and has an incredibly strict diet. He changed his diet after blood tests showed difficulty digesting wheat and dairy products.
He promoted smoothies, clean water, avoiding all confectionery products – there was once a story where Djokovic, after abstaining from chocolate for 18 months, melted a singular cube on his tongue before being satisfied.
Djokovic is now two wins away from a 21st Grand Slam title, with his 20th major coming at Wimbledon last year.
Given he is unlikely to grace the courts at the US Open due to his ongoing vaccination stance, the All England Club looms as the last venue this year where Djokovic can potentially match Rafael’s tally. Nadal of 21 career Grand Slams.
World No. 4 Nadal takes on polarizing Aussie Nick Kyrgios for a place in the Wimbledon decider in the other semi-final on Friday.
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