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EAT WELL, rest well, always train at 100 percent — if Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz has a mantra, this is it. The 20-year-old Spaniard seemingly takes a more laissez-faire approach towards matters of diet, especially when compared to Novak Djokovic, whom he defeated on Sunday. Djokovic is known to have strictly followed, initially a gluten-free diet, and later, a plant-based one. Alcaraz, on the other hand, claims that he’ll eat “whatever is put in front of (him)”. But great athletes aren’t made of unmindful choices, and Alcaraz too has a distinctive regimen of his own. Here’s a brief A-Z:
A
Ambrosia — not the food of the gods according to Greek mythology, but something far more earthy. Ambrosia is the name of the cocoa and hazelnut cream that Alcaraz consumes, usually with a plate of pasta. The cream has no added sugar or other sweeteners, and doesn’t make use of palm or sunflower oil.
B
Breakfast — the meal after which Alcaraz usually begins his training.
Bananas — a fruit he eats a lot of.
C
Cambio de Tercio — the Spanish restaurant in London that became Alcaraz’s haunt during Wimbledon.
Creatine Monohydrate — the supplement Alcaraz takes when he’s training. He’s been seen using the Crown Sport Nutrition brand.
D
Dates — main ingredient in Alcaraz’s pre-match bars.
E
Egg Whites — main ingredient in Alcaraz’s pre-match bars.
Energy Bars — oatmeal bars from Crown Sport Nutrition that Alcaraz has while training or during tournaments.
F
Fish — something Alcaraz eats a lot of.
G
Gin — Alcaraz’s preferred drink, with lemon.
Guarana — an ingredient in his pre-match bars. A medicinal plant, guarana is known for its ability to “reduce fatigue, boost energy and aid learning and memory”.
H
Hamburgers — a favourite Alcaraz indulges in when he’s home in Murcia.
I
J
Juanjo Moreno — Alcaraz’s physiotherapist who also advises him on nutrition.
K
Kebabs — among the tennis ace’s favourite dishes.
L
M
Meat With Potatoes — what Alcaraz cooks for his friends when they come over.
N
Nutrition — a science the Grand Slam winner pays close attention to.
O
P
Pasta — what Alcaraz’s usual pre-match meals comprise. He eats a mixed plate — half gluten-free, half regular — with Ambrosia.
Pizza — another hometown indulgence.
Q
R
Rice — Alcaraz’s favourite meal, with fish.
Ragweed — unconfirmed; reportedly among the plant-based supplements Alcaraz takes.
S
Sushi — Alcaraz’s dinner on the eve of match days.
Salt-Baked Seabass With Roasted Potatoes — a dish he would love to master for his friends.
Supplements — a closely monitored aspect of Alcaraz’s intake.
T
Tortillas — another dish Alcaraz preps for his friends when they visit.
Tapas — specialty of Cambio de Tercio.
U
V
W
Wimbledon
X
Y
Z
