Serve to Win: The 14-Day Gluten-Free Plan for Physical and Mental Excellence

by Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic reveals the gluten-free diet and fitness plan that transformed his health and pushed him to the pinnacle.

In 2011, Novak Djokovic had what sportswriters called the greatest single season ever by a professional tennis player: He won ten titles, three Grand Slams, and forty-three consecutive matches. Remarkably, less than two years earlier, this champion could barely complete a tournament. How did a player once plagued by aches, breathing difficulties, and injuries on the court suddenly become the #1 ranked tennis player in the world? The answer is astonishing: He changed what he ate.

In Serve to Win, Djokovic recounts how he survived the bombing of Belgrade, Serbia, rising from a war-torn childhood to the top tier of his sport. While Djokovic loved and craved bread and pasta, and especially the pizza at his family's restaurant, his body simply couldn't process wheat. Eliminating gluten--the protein found in wheat--made him feel instantly better, lighter, clearer, and quicker. As he continued to research and refine his diet, his health issues disappeared, extra pounds dropped away, and his improved physical health and mental focus allowed him to achieve his two childhood dreams: to win Wimbledon, and to become the #1 ranked tennis player in the world.

Now Djokovic has created a blueprint for remaking your body and your life in just fourteen days. With weekly menus, mindful eating tips for optimal digestion, and delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes, you'll be well on your way to shedding extra weight and finding your way to a better you. Djokovic also offers tips for eliminating stress and simple exercises to get you revved up and moving, the very same ones he does before each match.

You don't need to be a superstar athlete to start living and feeling better. With Serve to Win, a trimmer, stronger, healthier you is just two weeks away.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Biography, Sports, Nutrition, Self Help, Food

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Famed tennis player.

Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I'm going to say that I typically don't read these kinds of books. So why did I pick up Serve To Win? Well I needed a quick read and happened to come across this book written by one of my favorite tennis players (so yeah I guess that makes me a bit biased but watcha gonna do). Seeing as I'm still a teenager, I don't feel the need to change my eating habits. I don't have much control over what I eat, as I'm not the one buying groceries or cooking dinner every week (thanks mom). Still, I kept an open mind when I first started this book. That being said, Serve To Win totally changed me.

The beginning of this book was quite interesting, being partially biographical. I found the story of Novak's childhood to be powerful and inspirational, and felt the same emotions of frustration when he described his loss at the Australian Open in 2010.

At first I was reluctant when he first said that the solution to his problems was going gluten-free. It sounded like something crazy PETA activist hippies would do (not that I have anything against them). Yet when Novak started explaining how much better he felt afterwards, and proving it by illustrating how his 2011-2012 season was arguably the best of his career (so far), that's when I was convinced.

One of my favorite things about Serve To Win was all of the encouragement that Novak gave. You know, he really made me feel confident about myself, and that I could really go for this gluten-free thing.

Overall, I really liked Novak's ideas in this book and believed I could adopt some of his practices. Although I probably won't go gluten-free/sugar-free/dairy-free for a fortnight just yet (there's still a tub of chocolate ice cream in my freezer right now), it's definitely something I want to consider doing in the future. As an author and an international tennis star, Novak understands that we are just normal people who don't train for 16 hours a day everyday, or have to play against guys like Federer and Nadal. I think that's why it's so great that he doesn't try to shove his eating/training regime down the reader's throat. Not only that, but the recipes and exercise how tos he gives are things that anybody can do! In addition to that, his writing was pretty humorous and I got some good laughs out of this book.

I feel like I'm rambling now so I'll end with this: I definitely recommend this book if you're feeling like your life is a little "blah".

[Dragos Pătraru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dacă vă simțiți rău și nu știți din ce motiv puteți primi câteva răspunsuri în cartea asta. E posibil să fie de vină glutenul, proteina din grâu pe care corpul nostru nu o poate digera. Iar poveștile lui Nole sunt frumoase.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I focused on taking a step back and looking at my thoughts objectively, I saw it plainly: a massive amount of negative emotion. Self-doubt. Anger. Worries about my life, my family. Fears about not being good enough. That my training is wrong. That my approach to a coming match is wrong. That I'm wasting time, wasting potential. And then there are the little battles: the imaginary arguments you have with people you won't even see that day over subjects that will never come up. (PG 87)

I would never typically read a book like this about a sports player telling me about their diet. Most of them have personal chefs and can afford things I can't. My husband wanted to read this so I got it for him. He finished it and since it was a mere 160 pages I said , "Eh why not?" I couldn't stop reading it and I highly recommend it.

I like Nole as a person, based on tennis and interviews. My kids are half Serbian so we follow all of Serbian sports stars. Nikola Jokic, Boban Marjanovic, Aleksander Mitrovic, Luka Doncic, etc etc you get the point. It's such a small country that when a person there stands out it's a big deal. That is what Nole is to his countrymen. Hope and faith. I would have loved to hear more about his personal life but this wasn't that book. He touched on it briefly. He did go through the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 90s. People seem to forget that NATO bombed Serbia and Montenegro while Clinton was sticking cigars up Monica Lewisnky.

Main Points:
*Listen to your body when you eat something
*Chew slowly and with quietness so you can be one with your body and let it know you are nourishing it
*Cut out the bad for two weeks and slowly introduce a new food that you gave up to see how you feel

His insights into food and meditation are normal things anyone can follow. He constantly says "I am a sports player. You do not have the same body as me so do what works for you." He's not trying to sell us anything. This change in mentality was from losing so many matches due to fatigue and mood swings. And I do notice I have my sludge days and I'm short tempered and eating out of boredom not necessity.

I learned that it's all connected. I mean it's obvious right? The FDA and the food pyramid are a joke yet we still have bad habits. In the middle of Orthodox fasting for Easter I am going to try some of his suggestions and see how my body handles these new changes.

Fabulous book from a fabulous tennis star. Humble all around.

[Dimple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made the mistake of watching him play and now I am desperately in love. Not just with Novak but also Tennis as a sport. ( Regret having never played it)
I now also admire Roger, Murray and Nadal.

The book is basically about how changes in his diet helped him become world no. 1
(Boy does it take a lot of sacrifice)
He gives his daily routine. Advices on eating right, exercising, having positive thoughts etc.

It is astonishing how we can go through our entire lives without realizing that we are eating foods year after year that we are likely very sensitive to and it might be bad for us(Sure did affect his performance before 2011)

(Note: Every individual is different and has different body requirements.)

He warns against eating processed and sugary foods to maintain a steady blood sugar throughout. You can have fruits (they contain fructose)

1) Drink water after you get up in the morning(highly essential)
2) Possibly 2 spoons of honey.
3) Do some stretching, exercise(maybe Pilates or yoga)
4) Eat a high energy breakfast and lunch(rich in carbohydrates).Have snacks in between.
5) Have a protein rich dinner. Avoid carbs.
6) Do not ignore sleep (highly essential for healthy mind and body)

Staying positive is key to health and happiness. Work hard and stay focused on your goals.

Reading this book has given me interesting insights into the life of a world no. 1 player and knowledge about body and food.

[Jelena Roksandic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ova knjiga mi je omogućila da sagledam ishranu iz jednog totalno drugačijeg ugla. Naučila sam gomilu stavri za koje nisam nikad ni čula, niti bih ikad istraživala o njima.

U potpunost vredno čitanja.

[Milica Stojiljkovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Koliko god volim da budem otvorena, povremeno se desi da se tu provuče i neka predrasuda. Od ove knjige nisam očekivala baš ništa. Želela sam da vidim šta je to što je, u trenutku kad je knjiga izašla, izazvalo tolike kritike i da se upoznam sa tim da bih mogla da izgradim stav. Usledilo je izenađenje jer knjiga nudi drugačiji pogled na ishranu i definitivno je bila zaslužna za moje buđenje i preokret po tom pitanju. Pored kratkog opisa Novakovog detinjstva, knjiga ima jako zanimljivih činjenica i saveta kada je reč o zdravom životu. Jedini razlog zašto od mene knjiga nije dobila 5 zvezdica je deo sa receptima koji je prilično obiman i volela bih da tu postoji još neka zanimljiva priča (poput one o restoranu "Dans le noir"). Vredno je čitanja i definitivno je jako korisna i, kao što je neko napomenuo u komentarima - knjiga koju možete pročitati u par sati, ali vam može promeniti životne navike. Ove godine rešila sam da je pročitam po drugi put i mišljenje mi je zaista nepromenjeno.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scientists who research agricultural genetics have found that much of gluten in the genetically modified wheat - which makes up almost 100% of the wheat eaten on earth today - is structurally different from anything that occurs in nature.

Djokovic records the extraordinary change in his health, well-being and stamina in competition when he gave up gluten. (Hard for a guy whose family owned a pizza shop to discover he had developed a critical sensitivity to wheat, cheese and tomato!)

The thing I liked most about this book is that Djokovic finishes up by reminding us that the goal of a gluten-free diet is not about losing weight and gaining more energy (though that's good), but that these things are gateways. The goal is what you want to do because you've been able to pass through this gateway. Gold!

[Letty · Rating 3 out of 5]

When this book was released in the UK, Federer had just suffered a shocking second-round loss at Wimbledon, making him unable to defend his title that year; so the last thing I wanted to hear about was his nemesis, a.k.a Djokovic (or, as I like to call him, Djokobitch, but let’s not get carried away...) Yet, the other day, a staggering turn of events – still inexplicable today – pushed me to reach for this book as I found it on the shelves of my local library. Why not, I thought with a joking smirk? Why not indeed try and learn more about the aforementioned archenemy of my beloved Roger?

The purpose of the book revolves around a few things I had been questioning myself, namely the wheat diet, food intolerances, and the impact of gluten on our system. The introduction written by a doctor (who is himself the father of a WTA tennis player) is unwittingly funny in its caricatured oversimplification when mentioning how the atrocities of the war in former Yugoslavia were nothing to Djokovic compared to the horror of wheat (#wheatisevil). But I was still quite curious to know more about the Djoker’s childhood. And I must admit this part of the book is quite interesting, but really short; and we get the impression that it is just used as a requisite or even as a pretext to dive into the main topic, that is, the way gluten can harm your well-being and how to plan an alternative, gluten-free diet to make you feel fabulous in your own body. And this topic is dealt with in an enlightening way. Despite some repetitions and a few inconsistencies, the subject is well-researched (he says he has obviously received the help of nutritionists and it shows) yet very accessible. Humour is sprinkled here and there too, which is a welcome bonus.

Overall, he makes his point in challenging clichés and proving how easy it can be to switch to a gluten-free diet. He also aims to show that it is just one side of the process, harmony can only be reached if you work on your whole body and soul as well.

However, the sweet tooth and ardent fan of pastry that I am is still slightly doubtful about the capacity to adopt this way of eating – rather to be considered as a real alternative “way of life” – in the long run. But I may just give it a try...

[SilverReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will never stop to be amazed on how the Serb manages to save championship points with such audacity and perseverance, time after time (later example being Wimbledon '19). Although there are very few crumbles on his mentality on what he does out of the court to remain No1, this is mainly targeted as a nutrition book, with great considerations on gluten and holistically healthy food. Some great health tips as well.
Looking forward to any future book he authors, diving deeper into his life, both in and out of the courts

[Aurelius · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I like Nole and I'm a constant follower of his game for the past couple years already. With this book Novak explains how many benefits a gluten-free diet had on his health and fitness - and how many benefits it can have for basically everyone as well.
Although I'm quite familiar with subjects like nutrition and diet this book provides a few extra tips on how to manage a life with celiac disease.

[Goran Šarac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been trying to persuade people to cut out gluten and the result was fatal - yes, for me!
Perhaps they'll heed to Nole's advice!

[Janko Radovanovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upravo sam završio knjigu "Serviraj za Pobedu", Novaka Djokovića (izdata 2013; da, znam da sam malo zakasnio)

Kroz celu knjigu osećam skrivenu kritiku mentaliteta ljudi na Balkanu. Bez obzira na nacionalnost i veru, Srbi, Makedonci, Bosanci, Albanci, Hrvati... imamo sličan mentalitet, a to je da smo skeptični prema novim stvarima koje nisu mainstream, bilo da one dolaze za zapada ili dalekog istoka. Djoković preporučuje bezglutensku ishranu (koga najviše ima u hlebu i testeninama), zasnovanu na povrću, voću, ribi, belom mesu i žitaricama bez glutena. U svojoj karijeri, koja i dalje traje, ušao je u istoriju tenisa i sporta, ali su komentari na njegovu ishranu postala normalna stvar ljudima koji nemaju veze sa sportom. "Pojedi jednu pljeskavicu!" je jedan od najčešćih (i najsmešnijih) komentara.

U Norveškoj gde živim je ishrana bez glutena ili vegetarijanski način života nešto sasvim normalno, a na Balkanu te gledaju kao najvećeg čudaka kada u restoranu postaviš pitanje o hrani za vegetarijance. Pre četri godine kada sam sa svojim bendom Rakija bio na turneju po Srbiji, dešavala se ista stvar u svakom gradu u kome smo bili, bez obzira da li je to bila Priština, Beograd, Novi Sada ili Negotin. Konobari bi se zbunili kada bi moj basista pitao za jela za vegetarijance. Jedino što su imali da mu ponude su bile pečurke na žaru. A onda sam provalio nešto, a to je da pitam da li imaju nešto posno. E, tu je već bila druga stvar i mnogo, mnogo veći izbor. Za Srbe barem, je post sveta stvar i nešto što se praktikuje i poštuje, ali su zato vegetarijanci čudaci.

Ono što želim da kažem, i ono što Djoković više puta u svojoj knjizi ponavlja, je da trebamo biti otvorenog uma, kritični ali ne i skeptični prema novim stvarima.

Kada sam se već dotakao Djokovića i Rakije, dodao bih još jedan detalj vezano za mentalitet Balkanaca. Kod nas na Kosovu se kaže "Kad voljim voljim, kad ne voljim koljim." Pretpostavljam da su ljudi koji pljuju Novak Djokovic-a svaki put kada izgubi, isto oni koji ga uzdižu u nebo svaki put kada pobedi. Ta ljubav kod nas ponekad zna da bude tako jaka, da ne znamo da je kontrolišemo. Od koncerata Rakije po Srbiji, je meni u sećenju najviše ostao koncert u Gračanici. Ne zbog toga što je koncert održan nekoliko kilometara od moje rodne Prištine, niti zato što je bio prvi koncert na turneji, već zbog reakcije publike koja je došla na koncert. Taj koncert je bio najmanji na turneji, oprema nije bila kakvu smo očekivali a tavanica tako niska da smo je udarali glavom svaki put kada bi se ispravili, ali je lokal bio prepun emocija te večere. Osećao se jak naboj osećanja sa svih stvana. Osetio sam toliku ljubav i sreću od strane publike, da sam se uplašio da nešto loše može da se desi i da su osećanja bila previše jaka za ljude koji su te večere došli. Na svu sreću, sve se završilo najbolje moguće.

Ne branim niti Djoković-a niti glutensku hranu, samo smatram da bi svima bilo bolje kada bi bili malo otvoreniji za nove stvari i spremni da odbacimo stare navika kada pronadjemo neke nove, koje su bolje.

[Nhi Hexe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I did not give it a 5 stars is because the book is that the book still missing more personal information (or emotion) from Nole as I expected. I know the book focuses mainly on his diet plan and his advices how to be come fit mentally and physically. But considering this is kind of biography, I would like to read more about other things, not only food stuffs and some science information. I also read Nadal's memoir and totally like that kind of writing more than this one from Novak. However, this is one of the best self-help book I have ever read when it comes to how to improve mentally and physically. Not only this book contains advices from a real successful one, not mentioning even a phenomeno in tennis but also quite interesting in content in regard to over come difficulties in life from a man who grew up during the war. Highly recommended.

[Kepo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libro molto interessante, non è una biografia e non è incentrato sul tennis. L'autore spiega principalmente il suo approccio alimentare per competere all'eccellenza partendo dal suo cambio di alimentazione il giorno che ha saputo di essere intollerante al glutine e arrivando a descrivere ora la sua dieta e spiegando le sue ricette preferite e consigliate. All'interno anche una buona parte di lavoro psicologico per lo sportivo e il relativo approccio alla gara. L'unico neo è che a volte si riferisce al glutine come se fosse vero e proprio "veleno" per tutti, ciò può valere per chi è intollerante ma non è detto che rechi per forza disturbi a chi non lo è. Come per ogni dieta sarebbe stato meglio consigliare di non abusarne. Nella totalità comunque un ottimo libro.

[Janno Teelem · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really liked about this book is not necessarily Novak's gluten-free diet and recipes (although I got a lot of great ideas and recipes to try in my own diet), but his attitude and approach in life in general. He is analytical, observing and open-minded to try various things to achieve his goals and live a happy life. Staying present in the moment, focusing on quality instead of quantity and planning well ahead appear to be the blueprints of many top performers, including Novak. Very inspring read.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

well done Novak as a tennis player and a person suffering from many food intolerances this book was written for Me!,

Thanks to Novak the world will be healthier ,even if you change to some of his plan , you can,t go wrong!

it is actually easy for me to eat this way!

here is to more grand slam titles, but I am also a federer fan and hate to admit it John Macenroe,

Favorite woman. Steffi Graf. Bar none!,,,,

[Praveena D.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop whatever you are doing. Read this book. Its top priority.

We are doing lot of wrong in our food in taking and the way treat the food. Novak starting from his routine to food recipes shared everything. The secrets of how novak from the Serbia able to stay in No.1 ranking for such a long time is out now.

Must read

[Eduard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I can say about this book is this:

A book that can be read in a day and can make habits for a life.

I knew already some of the ideas that Novak sent with this books, but some of them are habbits that I can't wait to explore.

[Nora Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Novak as a tennis player and interesting to read what makes him even more impressive and number 1 in the world.

[Rui Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neste livro, acedemos à história daquele que é uma das maiores referências do ténis mundial e da história da modalidade.

A infância, marcada pelo conflito e pela guerra, fazem com que a história de Djokovic seja inspiradora pelos contornos da sua ascensão pessoal e desportiva.

A época de 2011 ficou marcada por aquela que viria a ser uma das melhores temporadas de sempre realizadas pelo tenista. A consensualidade dos comentadores sobre a sua forma era evidente. Venceu dez torneios, três dos quais Grand Slams.

Todavia, o destaque vai para o facto de, antes desse mesmo ano arrasador, Djokovic era incapaz de concluir um torneio e de consolidar o seu jogo dominador. É, nesta questão, que o livro se irá debruçar, de maneira a explicar aquilo que contribuiu para o sucesso e que fez com que o teu tenista se tornasse praticamente imbatível.

O segredo do sucesso? Dieta. Sim, a alimentação, desencadeou aquela que viria a ser chave para a mudança da performance e da forma do tenista. Os efeitos da lactose, certas intolerâncias alimentares, podem despoletar num défice de rendimento e este livro é elucidativo disso mesmo.

Não é todos os dias que temos acesso ao frigorífico de um dos maiores atletas da atualidade e, nesta narrativa, a dieta desportiva é explorada de forma aprofundada.

Um ótimo livro que, para além de o ser, oferece um plano alimentar durante duas semanas que permite ao leitor, se assim entender, usufruir dos conselhos de Novak. As dicas alimentares são complementadas com receitas concretas e formas de cozinhar certos alimentos.

O único reparo a fazer à escrita do mesmo, deve-se ao facto de não ter propriamente uma coloquialidade para com quem está a ler. Ou seja, é criada uma certa distância na forma de reproduzir a escrita no papel.

Este livro, além de servir para vencer, serve para ler compulsivamente.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Já tinha este livro debaixo de olho há algum tempo devido à menção do tenista de cortar o glúten da sua dieta.
Há cerca de um ano que descobri que sou sensível ao glúten e junto com este corte veio outros associados ao mesmo problema (síndrome do intestino irritável).
Talvez por serem atletas de alto nível e terem de manter o secretismo dos seus "segredos" mesmo que marginais achei que este livro poderia ser uma ajuda para mim enquanto atleta amadora sempre em busca de melhorar. Muitos dos conhecimentos que ele passa aqui eu já tinha, no entanto, é sempre interessante perceber os motivos e o enquadramento de cada um.
Gostei bastante da filosofia de vida de Novak. Consegui perceber em certa parte a sua decisão em não querer tomar a vacina contra a Covid-19. Embora este livro seja bastante anterior a isso dá para enquadrar na sua forma de vida.

Este livro inclui receitas com os ingredientes que o tenista mais consome. Ele faz uma dieta em que não consome produtos com glúten, derivados do leite e que contenham soja.
Embora explore a sua dieta enquanto atleta profissional é possível adaptar às necessidades de cada um. O autor apela bastante a que cada um ouça o seu corpo e tente ler aquilo que ele pede/precisa.

[Vladimir Trendafilov · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter if you are sportsman, businessman or you do something else if you want to be successful you should know what influence your health specifically what you eat. Djokovic shares his story about how changing his diet and lifestyle helped him become physically and mentally stronger.

[Nymeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tek kada sam kupila knjigu i krenula da je čitam, skapirala sam da je knjiga iz 2013. godine. Ne priča ništa novo, nešto što već niste čuli ili pročitali, ali je sve napisano kratko, jasno i direktno.
Nole je uvek ispred svog vremena 🫶

[Rule · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the best tennis player in the world (ever) provides advice on how to improve your health, focus and the quality of your life, it definitely means something.
Very easy to read and very well explained.

It's been 11 years since this book was published and he is still the best tennis player in the world and has just won the Olympic gold medal in Paris - while being 37 years old. It speaks for itself. Genuine athlete with some genuine values and facts.
Definitely worth reading.

[Alina Cristea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haha, I didn't notice the subtitle when I bought the book, so I thought it would be more about tennis, not about food. 😝 Anyhow, it was an interesting, pleasant read.

[Marina Satropa · Rating 5 out of 5]

L ho trovato molto bello e molto motivatorio
Assolutamente lo consiglio

[☆emily☆]

going to try djokovic's diet and see if i get tennis superpowers

[Lovely Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Come il cambio di alimentazione ha reso (in meglio) il gioco di Djokovic. Questo doveva essere il sottotitolo, signori di Sperling & Kupfer.

[Cécile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ging weniger um die glutenfreie Ernährung, sondern mehr um den Profisport und seine Ernährung

[A M Saffat-ee Huq · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting view into the dietary changes in Novak's life that fueled the miraculous 2011 tennis season for him!