Novak Djokovic Shows Ear-Seeding on Wimbledon 2026 Centre Court

During his Wimbledon 2026 quarter-final against Jannik Sinner, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic appeared on Centre Court with a series of tiny gold-toned studs affixed to his earlobes. The visible implants are “ear seeds,” a form of auriculotherapy that athletes sometimes use to address fatigue and lingering injuries. The Vogue piece reporting the sight treats the moment as a lifestyle observation rather than a hard-news report, reflecting the magazine’s commentary-focused tone.

Vogue

Ear seeding originates in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is described as a 3,000-year-old practice aimed at balancing the body’s flow of energy, or Qi, through meridian pathways. Small seeds—often gold, plastic, or herbal—are placed on specific pressure points, such as the “focus” area on the upper earlobe, to stimulate healing, reduce anxiety, and combat fatigue. Proponents cite scientific studies that link the technique to pain-management benefits by triggering the body’s natural analgesic hormones.

Vogue

Ava Lee, founder of the K-beauty brand By Ava, explains that an ear-reflexology map mirrors every organ and system, allowing targeted stimulation via ear seeds. Dr. Nicole Glathe, a doctor of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, characterizes the method as a straightforward way to “tap into the body’s own ability to rebalance and regulate itself.” Both experts present ear seeding as a complementary approach rather than a replacement for conventional medical treatment.

Vogue

The article notes that fatigue and injury have been recurring challenges for Djokovic, suggesting that the ear-seeding display may be an effort to manage those issues during a demanding Grand Slam. While the piece references “several scientific studies,” it does not detail their methodology or outcomes, leaving the extent of empirical support ambiguous.

Vogue

• “There is an ear reflexology map where your ear literally reflects every system and organ of your body,” — Ava Lee, founder, By Ava

Vogue

• “You have all of these different pressure points you can target with acupuncture or ear seeds to stimulate them.” — Ava Lee

Vogue

• “tap into the body’s own ability to rebalance and regulate itself.” — Dr. Nicole Glathe, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Vogue