In The Kitchen With Steve Johnson

Professional tennis players are creatures of habit. Often reluctant to accept change in their daily routine and training regimen, even the most minor of tweaks is often a significant step. But for Steve Johnson, the most impactful change was the easiest to make.

During the offseason, the American committed himself to a stricter diet, ditching his favourite fatty foods for healthier options. With the competition on the ATP World Tour stronger than ever, Johnson is hoping the extra edge will aide in his ascent up the Emirates ATP Rankings.

“It’s taken a few months of planning,” Johnson told ATP World Tour Uncovered. “It’s something that I’ve really wanted to implement over the years, but I just wasn’t able to find exactly what works best for me.

“It’s about being very disciplined with what you eat and how much. For my body type, there are certain things I have to cut out completely and certain things I have to cut out at different times of the day. Some guys are a little more fortunate with their body styles and metabolism. They can eat whatever they want and stay thin, but that’s just not in the cards for me. I’m not crazy over the top, but I’m very conscious about it.”

Johnson impressively dropped close to 20 pounds during just two offseason months, limiting his daily calorie intake when he’s not engaged in intense training. He also added sports physiotherapist Christian LoCascio, who has helped transform the California native’s body. LoCascio previously worked with former World No. 7 Mardy Fish and was integral in his own physical transformation. Fish shed more than 30 pounds in 2010, before seeing his career skyrocket to new heights. Able to sustain longer rallies and quicker around the court, Johnson is hoping to replicate his countryman’s success.

“I just want to give myself another tool to draw back on in tough moments to win those tough matches,” Johnson added. “I love to go to dinner and munch on those dinner rolls that sit out. I loved to eat them out of boredom. For me, not having as many carbs in the late afternoon and at night, unless I’m playing a match, is something that I needed to cut out. It’s been hard, just because they’re sitting right in front of you and it’s tough not to eat it. But it’s been great so far, knowing that I’m doing everything in my power to be a better tennis player.”

Healthier diets have become a focal point on the ATP World Tour in recent years, with Novak Djokovic’s famous shift towards a gluten-free lifestyle earning the most attention.

“You see these guys raise the bar to another level and you know you have to try as hard as possible to get to their level as well. As an athlete, I want to get to be the best I can in this sport. I want to leave no stone unturned. It was tough in the beginning, but now it’s normal. It’s been quite a process and it’s helped my movement on court and my energy. I’m not huffing and puffing as much. With better stamina and movement, I’m getting to balls that I wasn’t getting to before. It’s been a great transition.”

Johnson has been a Top 30 stalwart for the past year and is looking to make the jump to the next level. The 27 year old is up to No. 27 in the Emirates ATP Rankings after reaching the semi-finals at the ASB Classic in Auckland to open the year and advancing to three straight quarter-finals in February – Memphis, Delray Beach and Acapulco. He says he is feeling strong and ready to continue challenging for big titles on the ATP World Tour.

“The days where you don’t play so well and you have to find a way to win are the most satisfying. I know what it’s like to be around the Top 40. Now I want to finish the year in the Top 30 or even the Top 20 and keep getting better and better. Hopefully I have many more good years in this sport. I know at some point my time will come where I will put it all together and I can push my limits even further.”

Seeded 24th this week at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Johnson opens against Kevin Anderson on Sunday.