Quote of the day by Novak Djokovic: 'I wanted one thing: to taste chocolate. I hadn't tasted it since 2010. I broke off one square, let it melt on my tongue. That was all I would allow myself. That is what it has taken to get to number one' - The tennis legend's inspiring mindset that helped him reach the top

Every extraordinary success begins with ordinary habits repeated consistently. Success is often celebrated with trophies, medals and applause. But behind every champion is a story of discipline that most people never see. Novak Djokovic's powerful quote about eating just one square of chocolate after years of avoiding it is one such story. It isn't really about chocolate at all. It is about the daily choices, sacrifices and unwavering commitment that helped the Serbian icon become one of the greatest athletes in tennis history. The quote has found fresh relevance as Djokovic continues to rewrite history on the sport's biggest stages.

One habit that helped Novak Djokovic become No. 1

Novak Djokovic wrote the quote in the prologue of his 2013 book, Serve to Win: The 14-Day Gluten-Free Plan for Physical and Mental Excellence. The book explores the transformation that changed his career, explaining how strict nutrition, mental conditioning and disciplined habits helped him become the world's top-ranked player.

The quote reads: "I wanted one thing: to taste chocolate. I hadn't tasted it since the summer of 2010. I broke off one square... let it melt on my tongue. That was all I would allow myself. That is what it has taken to get to number one."


Djokovic begins his book with this memory from the locker room in Melbourne because, for him, it perfectly illustrates what elite discipline looks like in everyday life. Instead of talking about titles or trophies, he uses one simple moment to explain the mindset behind extraordinary success.

Why is the chocolate so important?

At first glance, the story sounds surprisingly ordinary. It is only a piece of chocolate. But that single square carries a much deeper meaning. After years of following an extremely strict diet and pushing his body to its limits, the legend allowed himself only a tiny reward. Even after surviving one of the toughest matches of his career, he chose restraint over indulgence.

The chocolate becomes a symbol of self-control. It shows that reaching the highest level in professional sport is not built on one big decision. It is built on countless small decisions made every single day.

Rather than giving in to temptation, Djokovic stayed true to the habits that had brought him success. The story shows how discipline becomes part of a person's identity, even during moments of celebration.

The mindset to reach the top

Novak Djokovic's words point to a way of thinking that values long-term goals over short-term pleasure.

His approach is based on uncompromising discipline, complete self-mastery and a clear vision of what he wants to achieve. Instead of treating success as one final destination, he views it as the result of consistent choices repeated over many years.

That means maintaining high standards whether anyone is watching or not. It means making careful decisions even after winning a championship or enduring physical exhaustion. In Djokovic's view, excellence comes from protecting the routines that create greatness instead of relaxing them after success arrives.

What can we learn from the quote?

The lesson extends far beyond tennis. Djokovic's story suggests that greatness is often shaped by quiet moments that no one else notices. The biggest victories are supported by small habits that are repeated consistently over time.

The quote also reminds us that self-control does not mean never enjoying life's rewards. Instead, it means understanding when enough is enough. By limiting himself to one square of chocolate, Djokovic shows that enjoying success and protecting long-term goals can exist together.

Ultimately, the quote also talks about an important idea: before mastering any profession, people must first learn to master themselves.

Why Novak Djokovic's words matter even more today

The quote has gained renewed attention as the tennis player continues to give remarkable performances late in his career.

According to an ESPN India report, the Serbian star recently battled past world No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in an unforgettable Wimbledon quarterfinal. The seven-time Wimbledon champion won 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) after an exhausting contest that lasted more than five hours.

The victory set up a semifinal clash against defending champion Jannik Sinner. The match also became the longest Wimbledon quarterfinal in the tournament's history, ending just before the All England Club's 11 p.m. curfew.

The match equalled the longest Wimbledon contest of Djokovic's career, matching his epic 2018 semifinal against Rafael Nadal. Only the unforgettable 2012 Australian Open final against Nadal lasted longer.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic summed up his performance with a simple explanation. "With racket and a lot of heart," he said on court of how he won, "and management of the nerves." He added, "These are the kind of moments that I still play tennis for."

Even at 39, Djokovic continues to set new milestones. And inspiring us to do so.