In a startling disclosure just before the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has come forward with claims that he was served food that “poisoned” him during his challenging stay in Melbourne in 2022. This period coincided with his deportation from Australia amid controversies surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations.
Djokovic shared these revelations during an interview with GQ magazine, stating, “I experienced some health issues and realized that while I was at the hotel in Melbourne, I consumed food that poisoned me.” He further mentioned that tests revealed elevated levels of lead and mercury in his system following this incident.
Upon returning to Serbia after his deportation ordeal, Djokovic discovered alarming levels of heavy metals within him. “I never disclosed this publicly before,” he admitted. “But I found out I had significantly high concentrations of lead and mercury.”
The tennis icon’s visa was revoked due to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19. During the legal battle to remain in Australia, he spent time confined within an immigration detention facility. When asked if he believed the food served to him was tainted, Djokovic responded affirmatively: “That’s the only explanation.”
Despite these troubling experiences, Djokovic expressed no resentment towards Australians themselves. In fact, he returned to Melbourne the following year and clinched victory at the Australian Open once again. He noted how many Australians approached him over recent years—both locally and internationally—to apologize for how he had been treated by their government at that time.
“The government has changed since then,” Djokovic remarked gratefully about having his visa reinstated. “I genuinely enjoy being there; my performance on court reflects my positive feelings about playing tennis in Australia.”
He added candidly about those who were involved in his deportation: “I’ve never met those individuals who made decisions regarding my departure from their country a few years back. If we cross paths someday, I’m open to shaking hands and moving forward.”
As Djokovic prepares for another shot at winning an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title—potentially marking a new milestone with a 25th Grand Slam trophy—his focus remains steadfast on achieving greatness on the court despite past adversities.