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Novak Djokovic is the epitome of physique for a man his age. Even at the age of 36, Djokovic is on top in regard to his fitness. However, that was not always the case. Even though he was winning titles a few years after he turned pro, the Djoker was struggling with his health. Eventually, he found a doctor who could turn it all around for him. They went their own ways, soon after they teamed up. The doctor who changed his life, recently revealed how their partnership came to be
There have been many instances throughout the years in which the Serbian has suffered through issues not related to injuries. While he did win, he also went through a problematic period during the 2020 Australian Open final between him and Dominic Thiem. The Serb said that he felt dizzy at every ball toss, which also happened during the semifinal.
The recent episode of the ‘Talking Tennis’ podcast featured a former doctor of Novak Djokovic. During the discussion, Dr Igor Cetojevic talked about how he came to know about the Djoker and how he ended up partnering with him. He was flipping channels on his TV one day when he came upon a match between Djokovic and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga.
It was the quarterfinal bout of the two in the 2010 Australian Open. He recalled the commentator mentioning that Djokovic was taking a medical break because he was experiencing asthma. Cetojevic was incredulous as the commentator kept saying the Serbian player was undergoing asthma. However, the Serbian Doctor knew it was something else
He further said, “Okay, there and I’m seeing something’s not right what are they talking about? Okay, I have my doubts about what is there. Because generally, asthma appears in the morning, not afternoon, match was afternoon. Okay, and I loudly comment “it’s not asthma,” you know, and my wife, she’s an American, very open minded person.”
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He then explained his conversation with his wife as he said, “What’s going on there so that one match and so I explained a little bit and commentators are mentioning all the time “it’s asthma, it’s asthma”. I think “it’s not asthma. it’s something else”.”
Replying to her husband, she said “Who is this guy? Okay, why not go to help him?” A lightbulb went off in Cetojevic’s head and he set up a meeting with the Djoker. During their meeting, they discovered that the former number 1 had Celiac disease, i.e. gluten allergy.
Cetojevic and Djokovic parted ways a few years later as the doctor felt his job was done. Thanks to the initiative of the Serbian medical practitioner, we have seen the immense potential of the Djoker. Who can imagine if the doctor had not watched the match on the fateful day?
