Novak Djokovic has alleged that he was “poisoned” with lead and mercury in his food during his short and controversial stay in Melbourne in 2022, prior to being deported just before the Australian Open.
The former world number one had his visa revoked and was expelled from the country due to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Held in a detention hotel, Djokovic fought a losing legal battle to stay.
“I had some health issues. And I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne I was fed some food that poisoned me,” the 37-year-old told GQ magazine in an interview.
“I had some discoveries when I came back to Serbia. I never told this to anybody publicly, but I discovered I had a really high level of heavy metal. I had lead, a very high level of lead and mercury.”
When asked if he believed the contamination came from the food, Djokovic replied: “That’s the only way.”
GQ reported that Australia’s Department of Home Affairs declined to comment, citing privacy reasons.
Djokovic will soon be competing for an 11th Australian Open title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam when the tournament begins on Sunday.
Despite the controversy in 2022, Djokovic insists he holds no resentment toward Australians, sharing that many locals have apologised to him for the treatment he received.
“A lot of Australian people I’ve met over the years, either in Australia or elsewhere, have apologised for the way I was treated, saying they were embarrassed by their government at the time,” Djokovic said.
The Serbian star noted that his visa was reinstated after a change in government, allowing him to return to Melbourne in 2023, where he won the title.
“I actually love being there, and I think my results are a testament to my feelings about playing tennis and being in that country,” Djokovic added.
However, he admitted he has not met the officials responsible for his deportation and has no desire to do so. “If I do one day, that’s fine. I’m happy to shake hands and move on.”