Novak Djokovic has never relied on routine alone. As the legend prepares for another season, he has once again shown his willingness to evolve. During his off-season training block in Athens, Novak has added Dr. Mark Kovacs to his team.
Thus, the veteran signals a renewed focus on precision, recovery and long-term physical sustainability. Kovacs is one of the most respected minds in tennis performance science.
A performance physiologist with more than 50 peer-reviewed studies dedicated to tennis-specific biomechanics, Mark has spent years translating knowledge into on-court longevity, focusing on management and recovery.
His work has influenced players at every level, including Sloane Stephens, Coco Gauff, John Isner and many others, with Kovacs playing a key role in shaping sport science programs within the USTA.
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As we can see on pictures, Djokovic is fully engaged in demanding training sessions in his preparation for 2026. The 24-time Major winner is blending intense hitting with carefully structured physical work.
At 38, the goal is no longer just peak fitness. The Serb is focused on intelligent rebuilding and minimizing risk while preserving the explosiveness and elasticity that have defined his game for over two decades.
Mark's philosophy aligns perfectly with Novak's meticulous approach. They will measure every moment, recovery window and physical load with purpose, aiming to keep the body fresh across long two-week Major campaigns.
Despite achieving everything, Djokovic is still hungry to chase notable trophies, even against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. His latest move confirms that greatness includes not only talent and ambition but adaptation.
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The Serb embraced trusted science to extend the boundaries of what is possible in modern tennis, making a calculated investment in durability rather than brutal force.
Novak is preparing for his 82nd Major event at the Australian Open. The ten-time winner in Melbourne will try to extend his brilliant streak at one of his favorite events, having won the tenth title in 2023 and backing it up with two semi-finals.
