CRYPTIC Novak Djokovic refused to reveal what is in the mystery bottle he appears to be inhaling from during Wimbledon matches.
The reigning champion has been spotted consuming something from a water bottle at changeovers.
Video footage shows the Serbian look towards his box, point at the bottle and then put his lips to the mouthpiece then squeeze the contents of the bottle into his mouth quickly.
It has raised questions over what Djokovic is doing.
But when quizzed on it after his four-set semi-final win over Brit Cameron Norrie, the No1 seed refused to give his secrets away.
He joked: “Magic potion,” then broke into laughter.
Djokovic – who also eats dates during matches as part of his gluten-free diet – then added: “That’s all I can say. It helps.
“You’ll find out soon, but I can’t speak about it now.”
As reported by The Telegraph, Djokovic was also asked about doing the same thing at the 2020 Australian Open.
At the time, he said: “The liquids were magic potions that my physio prepares in his lab.”
It is understood the contents are an unmixed energy drink or isotonic powder – an effective way of a quick boost on the court.
Usually they are diluted in water to rehydrate.
A source told The Telegraph: “You wouldn’t really get any benefit from doing it mid-match, but I’m sure this is isotonic.
“A lot of players have started eating powder, even pre-workout isotonic powder. They’ve started eating it without water.
“It’s mainly pre-workout stuff because it gives them a buzz.
“I imagine it’s disgusting in the throat.
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“It’s weird, but it’s what they are doing.”
There is no suggestion of anything illegal from Djokovic, but Wimbledon viewers on social media have been left baffled and want an explanation.
One said: “I would very much like to know what was in this bottle. It certainly wasn’t liquid, and he gestured to his coach before inhaling it. Very odd.”
Another wrote after Norrie won the first set: “Time for Djokovic’s little white bottle soon…..”
And a third added: “Watching Djokovic on TV, he just got a white bottle delivered, he was out of breath, but after he used the contents of the white bottle like an inhaler he’s running about like a spring lamb. What’s that all about?”
Djokovic – who blew kisses at his booing trolls at the end of the Norrie win – faces Nick Kyrgios in Sunday’s final.
The controversial Australian is into his first major singles final after getting a walkover when Rafael Nadal withdrew from the tournament with a 7mm tear in an abdominal muscle.
Wimbledon looks set to be Djokovic’s last chance of winning a Grand Slam this year because the USA are currently not allowing unvaccinated people into the country.
