Why does Djokovic practice qigong?

Many times fans have seen Djokovic bare-chested and trying to control his breathing during matches. Those are the times when he uses his qigong skills.

Djokovic often takes a breather during breaks between sets - Photo: REUTERS

Does Djokovic really 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 his book Serve to Win, Djokovic emphasizes that he practices “deep belly – hold – long exhale” breathing to reduce stress, control emotions and refocus in the middle of stressful moments in a match.

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

What do Djokovic and his team of experts think?

Djokovic has said that his calm exterior does not reflect the “inner storm” he struggles to control. Practicing Qigong has helped him “regain control of his autonomic nervous system.”

Djokovic's coaching team and sports psychologists have agreed that establishing mindful breathing and thinking during a match is a necessary strategy for high-level athletes, especially when it comes to deciding points.

Djokovic once shared that he has used this technique many times at Grand Slam tournaments to keep his mind stable amid the storm of match pressure and negative reactions from the audience.

Benefits of Qigong

Chinese martial arts novels, especially through the great pen of Kim Dung, have elevated qigong to become a legend in martial arts.

In real life, qigong is a form of exercise that focuses on breathing to achieve three clear goals: stress control, increased concentration, and rhythmic nerve restoration.

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

In tennis specifically - as well as other sports that are divided into small groups - a few deep breaths during breaks between sets help athletes stabilize their heart rate, reduce cortisol - the stress hormone, thereby improving decision-making and quick reaction time.

Djokovic and his sports science team place a special importance on qigong, seeing the ability to maintain inner calm as a decisive factor in tough matches.

From a top sports perspective, qigong-style breathing techniques help Djokovic cope with internal pressure, maintaining mental clarity and flexibility until the last second of the match.

Effective qigong practice method, who should practice?

Djokovic's method is often intentional breathing: deep inhale, hold, exhale - sometimes combined with counting.

Djokovic and his wife often practice breathing - Photo: INSTAGRAM

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

Modern science has found that this breathing method helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system - which controls breathing, heart rate, emotions and sleep.

Studies show that techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and long‑exhale breathing reduce anxiety, stabilize blood pressure, and increase the ability to concentrate in stressful environments.

Besides Djokovic, athletes in sports such as fencing, shooting, golf... also often try qigong methods.

HUY DANG

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