Why does Djokovic practice Qigong?

On numerous occasions, fans have witnessed Djokovic baring his chest and trying to regulate his breathing during matches. These are moments when he applies his Qigong (Chinese breathing exercises) skills.

Djokovic often takes deep breaths during breaks between sets - Photo: REUTERS

Does Djokovic actually practice Qigong?

Novak Djokovic is one of the world's top athletes who values ​​"conscious breathing," a breathing control technique similar to traditional Eastern Qigong.

In interviews and in his book Serve to Win, Djokovic emphasizes that he practices the "deep abdominal breathing - hold breath - exhale deeply" technique to reduce stress, control emotions, and refocus during tense moments in a match.

Many sports science experts, including analyst Laura Flessner, consider this method to be traditional Chinese "qigong."

How do Djokovic and his team of experts view this?

Djokovic once shared that his calm exterior doesn't fully reflect the "storm inside" he's constantly trying to control. Practicing Qigong helped him "regain control of his autonomic nervous system."

Djokovic's coaching staff and sports psychologists have agreed that establishing mindful breathing and thinking during matches is an essential strategy for high-level athletes, especially when competing in crucial points.

Djokovic has shared that he has used this technique many times at Grand Slam tournaments to maintain his composure amidst the pressure of the match and negative reactions from the audience.

Benefits of Qigong

Chinese martial arts novels, especially those written by the masterful Jin Yong, have elevated Qigong to a legendary level in the martial arts world.

In real life, Qigong is a form of exercise that focuses on breathing to achieve three clear goals: stress management, increased concentration, and rhythmic nervous system recovery.

The Serbian tennis player repeatedly recovered during the match thanks to breathing exercises - Photo: REUTERS

In tennis, as well as other sports divided into smaller sets, a few deep breaths during breaks between sets help athletes stabilize their heart rate, reduce cortisol—the stress hormone—and thereby improve decision-making and reaction time.

Djokovic and his sports science team place particular importance on Qigong. They consider the ability to maintain inner peace to be a decisive factor in difficult matches.

From a high-level sports perspective, Qigong-style breathing techniques help Djokovic cope with internal pressure, maintaining his composure and mental agility until the very last second of the match.

Effective Qigong practice methods, who should practice them?

Djokovic's method typically involves deliberate breathing: inhaling deeply, holding his breath, and exhaling slowly – sometimes combined with counting the beats.

Djokovic and his wife often practice breathing exercises - Photo: INSTAGRAM

According to advice from sports science experts, anyone who plays sports should practice breathing exercises every morning and before a match, focusing on deep breaths and relaxing their thoughts for a few minutes to "set the psychological state".

Modern science suggests that this breathing technique helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls respiration, heart rate, emotions, and sleep.

Studies show that techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and long-exhale breathing reduce anxiety, stabilize blood pressure, and improve concentration in stressful environments.

Besides Djokovic, athletes in sports such as fencing, shooting, and golf also often try Qigong.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-djokovic-tap-khi-cong-20250803181317998.htm