Novak Djokovic Answers the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED

Hi, I'm Novak Djokovic and I'm doing a Wired Autocomplete interview. Autocomplete. Autocomplete. And this is just the beginning. How does Novak Djokovic pronounce his name? Novak Djokovic. Try it at home. How does Novak Djokovic train? Usually with a racket in my hands. How does Novak Djokovic slide on a hardcourt? I think sliding helps the change of direction, a quicker change of direction. I think it's because of skiing. I did a lot of skiing when I was younger, so I think that helps. How many titles does Novak Djokovic have? 73, 74, something like that. How did Novak and Jelena meet? Djokovic is her surname right now because she became my wife. She used to play tennis. We saw each other in one of the local tournaments in Belgrade. That's where we met. She used to be my girlfriend and before that she was my friend. And before that she was my high school crush. All right, next one. Why Novak Djokovic is called Nole? There is no meaning and connection between Novak and Nole. It doesn't mean anything. It's just, I guess it's... Or actually there is some form of connection between Nole as a nickname to Novak as a name, but there's no other meaning for that. Why is Novak Djokovic called Joker? Well, I did impersonations of other players on the court and I think that made me famous. I used to do it more and then I figured that some of the players were starting to take it too personal. So I just didn't do it anymore in public. I do it at home. Why does Novak Djokovic eat grass? Because I'm vegetarian. No, I'm kidding. When I was younger, I always dreamt of winning Wimbledon and I wanted to do something different. And I didn't come up with a more original idea. So I thought I might as well just eat some grass. And a lot of people ask me, how does it taste? And it's the best freaking grass in the world. Why is Novak Djokovic a good role model? I don't know. You guys tell me. I'm trying to be myself, you know, obviously be authentic, be original. You always have consciousness about, you know, younger tennis players and athletes looking up to me. All right, next one. What is Novak Djokovic? I don't know. It's just a name. What does Novak Djokovic eat for breakfast? Green juices, different cold-pressed juices, smoothies, a lot of fruits, oatmeals, chia puddings, stuff like this. Love mango. What does Novak Djokovic eat during matches? Dates, only dates. They have a lower glycemic index. They don't give you those spikes, like instant spikes and they bring you down like some maybe other sugary foods or liquids. And they just maintain the right level of sugar in the blood and energy. And they just fit me very well. I've been, you know, eating dates for last 10 years. What language does Novak Djokovic speak? I speak Serbian. Which is good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I speak English. At least I try. Italian. And a little bit of Spanish. Which is very similar. That's Chinese, but not for good evening. What color are Novak Djokovic's eyes? Can you zoom in, please? Greenish? Green-brownish? Are they? You guys agree? Okay, got it. Awesome. All right. Is Novak Djokovic the best ever? You tell me. Is Novak Djokovic an only child? No. I have two younger brothers in the family. Marco and Giorgio. And they both used to play tennis as well. Is Novak Djokovic a father? I am a father. I have that blessing to be a father of two wonderful children. Angels, Stefan and Tara, that are five and two years old. I miss my children. They are not with me now. They're back in Europe. But I'll be with them very soon. They and my wife are the most important people in my life. That's for sure. Is Novak Djokovic left-handed? No, I'm right-handed. It's a great asset to have, that's for sure, in our sport. If you play a two-handed backhand, if you have a strong and coordinated left arm, it definitely helps execute the shots better. Actually, Rafael Nadal plays with left hand, but he's, I think, a naturally right-handed player. I did. I do every few days, once in a while, just on the practice court, just for fun. Is Novak Djokovic gluten-free? Yes, I am gluten-free since 2010. I'm dairy-free and refined sugar-free. I'm also plant-based. It's the whole evolution of my nutrition has happened in the last 10 years. I'm just healthier overall. I have more energy. As an athlete, I recover better. I have better concentration on the court. I run faster. Also, it's because of the planet. Obviously, sustainability. I think going plant-based is the way. Awesome. Next. When is Novak Djokovic's birthday? It's 22nd of May, 1987. When did Novak Djokovic start playing tennis? I was four years old. It was in Serbia, on a mountain resort called Kopaonik, where my parents used to run a family business. They were making three tennis courts in front of the restaurant, and I used to help the workers out and bring them beer and different drinks. In return, they would allow me to play some tennis when the courts were done. So that's the beginning of the love story. Who is in Novak Djokovic's player's box? Logically, it's my team, my coaches, my agents. And I have my wife, of course. She's not always there, but whenever she can. My parents, my brothers, my friends. Some celebrity friends here in New York as well, because we are in New York. If I, in my box, see people that I care about, that care about me, that support me, and I feel the positive vibe coming from them, then, of course, it does help me play better. Does Novak Djokovic have a tattoo? I don't. How fast is Novak Djokovic's serve? I'm not a huge server, so to say. I don't have one of the fastest serves on the tour. Although I did serve over 130 miles per hour several times in my career, which is quite a nice speed. Although it's incomparable to some of the guys like John Isner, for example, or Karlovic, these guys that serve over 140 regularly. When will Novak Djokovic retire? I don't know that. I'm not thinking about retirement at the moment. I do have a family, of course, and the things are evolving in my life, so to say. And I'm obviously 32, which by many standards, so to say, or the history of tennis players retiring is I'm coming closer to the end. But I still love playing. I still love competing. And as long as it's like that, I'll keep going. All right. And last one. When did Novak Djokovic become number one? It was in 2011. I won Wimbledon for the first time. Two biggest dreams came true in one day and I had a memorable reception back home in Serbia. Just one of these things that stick with you forever, that, you know, bring you joy and nicest memories and inspire you to keep on playing and winning. It was beautiful. Who is Novak Djokovic's coach? My coach, I have two coaches, Mario and Vaida, that has been my coach for almost 15 years. He's more than a coach to me. He's a family member, a friend, a mentor. How did you first meet? We met, I think it was back in 2006. I was looking for a coach. And my agent actually at the time, he brought him to one of my training sessions in Paris. And that's weird, but I broke the record in that training session in front of him. And I didn't actually see him. I was really, I was not playing well. I was not feeling well. I broke the record and I turned around and I saw my parents were standing in the corner with him. I was like, oh my God, he was supposed to be my coach. And now when he sees this, no way. So I walked out and he welcomed me with the greatest of smiles. And he gave me a hug and he said, I'm here and let's get this, you know, let's work together. That's when I fell in love with the guy. I mean, he's just an amazing, amazing person. Who does Novak Djokovic play next? I play someone with a tennis racket and I hope I'll kick his ass. Sorry. Who are Novak Djokovic's parents? My parents' names are Srdjan. It's my father and Diana, my mother. They have gave a lot of energy and time and support for my dream to come true, to become a tennis player. And I am eternally grateful for them. I want to thank everybody for going to Google search and typing my name. And, you know, hopefully you guys have enjoyed this and I'll see you on the tennis courts very soon. Out of interview.