TENNIS ace Novak Djokovic says he would love to open a vegan restaurant in Melbourne.

Djokovic, who launched a raw cuisine hotspot Eqvita in Monte Carlo last year, told Confidential: “I think Melboune is one of the best cities in the world for organic, plant-based food and juice bars that I have experienced. There are not many places like Melbourne that have so much consciousness and awareness about food. It’s very vibrant here.”

Asked if he’d want to do an eatery or juice bar in the food capital of Australia, Djokovic replied: “In the future, absolutely. Why not?”

“My attitude to food is, let the food be your medicine and the medicine be your food. That’s the approach I have,” Djokovic said. “The more I explore things like fuel and energy for my body, the better I will be as a tennis player, and my general wellbeing and health.”

He added: “I definitely enjoy my green juices, smoothies and chia puiddings in Melbourne.”

Djokovic, playing Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open today, has also launched a series of short films with Australian winemaker Jacob’s Creek about people who have influenced his career, including his wife, Jelena, brother Marko, and tennis opponents Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

media_camera Novak Djokovic and brother Marko

“There is always a there is always a mutual respect, admiration, understanding and support,” he said of his partnership with Jelena. “She is someone I can always speak to, whether it’s sharing some beautiful things in life, or needing a shoulder to cry on. Jelena is always there.”

Djokovic says their son, Stefan, 2, loves to play and explore the outdoors. “He’s as curious and active as a child can be,” he said. “He’s picking up the features and looks of his mother, too, so I’m very glad about that.”