Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic continues to awe fans and make his mark in the tennis world as he edges closer to another potential Wimbledon victory. Throughout his career, Djokovic has been devoted to a “nanotechnology” patch, which he considers to be the biggest secret behind his success. However, skeptics argue that this nanotechnology is nothing more than pseudoscience lacking conclusive evidence.
On Tuesday, Djokovic secured his place in the Wimbledon semifinals after defeating Russia’s Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals. His next opponent will be Italian player Jannik Sinner. Interestingly, Djokovic, who has been known to endorse pseudoscience and wellness trends, first caught attention in May during the French Open when he swapped out a mysterious patch on his chest. This occurred shortly after he claimed his record-breaking 23rd grand slam title. Djokovic revealed that the mysterious patch was a TaoPatch, manufactured by an Italian company called Tao Technologies, and he believes it played a significant role in his victories on the court. According to Tao Technologies, the patch utilizes the body’s heat to generate microscopic beams of light, which allegedly stimulate the central nervous system and enhance posture, athletic performance, movement, stamina, balance, and recovery. The patch is also claimed to have potential benefits for ailments such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, with a lifespan of up to 30 months. Notably, the patch has gained the support of several professional athletes from various sports disciplines.
Several studies have been conducted to support the efficacy of this technology. For example, a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness observed participants’ posture and divided them into two groups—one with an active patch and one with a sham patch. The group using the active patch demonstrated better stability when standing upright compared to the control group. The patch, resembling a penny, is applied to the skin using tape or a Band-Aid. In a recent webinar, cofounder Dmitri Leonov explained that the TaoPatch contains nanocrystals composed of quantum dots. These nanocrystals convert the body’s heat into wavelengths of light that are emitted into the central nervous system, helping to restore balance. Leonov further stated that customers have reported pain relief, reduced stress, and improved focus as a result of using the patch.
However, these studies have faced questioning regarding their credibility. Harriet Hall, a former family physician and pseudoscience debunker, scrutinized the mechanics of the patch and deemed the explanation lacking credibility, dismissing it as pure pseudoscientific jargon. Additionally, neurologist Brandon Beaber reviewed the studies and found that the Taopatch’s efficacy in treating multiple sclerosis was unproven. Critics argue that the studies cited by Tao Technologies are predominantly conducted and funded by the company itself, with limited sample sizes and publication in lower-quality journals. For instance, the sway monitoring study only included 30 female participants.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the use of the patch violates the Anti-Doping Policy of the Association of Tennis Professionals or the regulations of the French Open, as neither organization has commented on the matter. It is worth noting that Djokovic has faced controversy in the past due to his stance on alternative medicine. He made headlines in 2022 when he was deported from Australia for refusing to get vaccinated against Covid-19, leading to his absence from notable tournaments such as the Australian Open and the U.S. Open. Djokovic has also followed a gluten-free diet for several years, a decision influenced by an unscientific test conducted by a doctor. This test involved Djokovic holding a piece of bread against his stomach and lifting his other arm, which reportedly felt weak, prompting the doctor to recommend avoiding gluten.
For more information, you can read the following articles:
– “Djokovic Wins French Open—After Claiming ‘Nanotechnology’ TaoPatch On His Chest Boosts On-Court Performance” (Forbes)
– “Djokovic Says He Is Prepared To Miss Future Tournaments Instead Of Getting Covid Shot—But Denies Being Anti-Vax” (Forbes)
– “A decade of Novak Djokovic, a decade of gluten-free diet, and a bizarre test” (Money Talks)
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
