Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Monks in Wimbledon Buddhist temple where Novak Djokovic meditates cheer him on

“I want him to be the championâ€� – Senior monk in charge of meditation at Buddhapadipa Temple

Monks in Wimbledon Buddhist temple where Novak Djokovic meditates cheer him on

Sixth-time champion Novak Djokovic is known to meditate between matches. In fact, the monks at the Buddhapadipa Temple, which is a five-minute walk away from Wimbledon credit meditation as the secret to his success.

This unlikely fanbase of holy men claim that he is “our friend” and a regular visitor to the site.


The temple is situated just outside the grounds of the All England Club and located in beautiful serene landscaped grounds. Djokovic has become the site’s most famous visitor.

The Serbian tennis star often visited the temple before the pandemic to meditate between matches at the tournaments. He has also reportedly been visiting for years and spends at least an hour a day in meditation to help improve his focus.

Venerable Piyobhaso, minister of religion and the senior monk in charge of meditation at Buddhapadipa, told The Times, “I want him to be the champion.

“He was like our friend — he was regular to the temple and he was known to the temple community.”

Piyobhaso reportedly added: “Djokovic made it clear that he is not a Buddhist but he likes meditation and visited the temple. What meditation means is you’re trying to develop the quality of the mind, trying to build up concentration, feel relaxed and peaceful.”

Djokovic is reported to have chosen to meditate in the mornings when the place has less visitors. But despite this, and the fact that he is an Orthodox Christian, the local Buddhist community are his ardent supporters.

Sue Stevens, 73, a Thai woman who lives in Richmond is quoted as saying, “Every day when it’s tennis season we sit down and watch. He only comes to the temple occasionally when it’s important. I still support him.”

The other Buddhists and community members have also revealed that they are big fans of the tennis star as well.

Speaking about how meditation works for Djokovic, Monk Piyobhaso said, “He didn’t attend the classes provided by the temple but he just meditated on his own. He spent about 30 minutes or an hour on the grounds and he preferred to spend time in the park area and the lake.

“He said that meditation helps with his tennis playing. And because of meditation he could keep focused on whatever he was doing at that moment.

“When he plays tennis, he just focuses on game to game, he didn’t plan ahead. Just focus on the game, that’s what he gained from meditation. It worked.”

Speaking before he won the 2015 Wimbledon championships, Djokovic reportedly said: “I try to put myself only in the present moment, not fight against the thoughts and the pressure and the excitement, but just acknowledge them and also try to keep my composure and calm. I try to just be in the moment and enjoy.”

More For You

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama attends a prayer meet held for his long life at the Dalai Lama temple in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

THE Dalai Lama said on Saturday (5) he hopes to live until he is more than 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday (6), and as China insists it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama told Reuters in December he might live to 110.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave by mid-July

Daytime temperatures meeting or exceeding set thresholds of 25°C

iStock

Met Office warns of potential third UK heatwave by mid-July

Key points

  • Met Office forecasts rising temperatures by mid-July
  • Possible third heatwave after record-breaking June
  • High pressure system likely to bring hot air from the Atlantic
  • Yellow rain warning and flood alerts issued in parts of Scotland and Cumbria

Possible heatwave to return by mid-July

The UK could experience its third heatwave in a month by mid-July, the Met Office has said. Forecasters expect rising heat and humidity during the second weekend of July, following two weekends of unusually warm weather in late June.

June was officially the hottest on record in England, and the return of high temperatures could mean another heatwave for parts of the country. However, the Met Office cautioned that it is too early to confirm how hot conditions will get.

Keep ReadingShow less
crypto

Two men have been jailed for defrauding investors of £1.5 million through a fake crypto investment scheme. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Two jailed over £1.5m crypto investment scam

TWO people who duped investors of £1.5 million by selling fake investments in crypto have been jailed for 12 years, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said.

Raymondip Bedi, of Bromley, and Patrick Mavanga, of Peckham, conned at least 65 people by cold-calling them between February 2017 and June 2019. They operated companies including CCX Capital and Astaria Group LLP.

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less