Novak Djokovic has revealed that he was “poisoned” by food during his detention in Melbourne amid the 2022 Australian Open visa controversy. Speaking to GQ in an interview released Thursday, the 24-time Grand Slam winner detailed how tests conducted after his return to Serbia uncovered alarmingly high levels of lead and mercury in his system.
“I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” Djokovic said. “I never told this to anybody publicly, but discovered that I had a really high level of heavy metal.”
The Visa Saga and Aftermath
Djokovic’s visa was canceled in 2022 due to Australia’s strict COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status, leading to a widely publicized legal battle. The Serbian star was held in a Melbourne hotel that also housed asylum-seekers, sparking global headlines.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on Djokovic’s claims, citing privacy reasons.
In a separate interview with Melbourne’s Herald Sun, Djokovic admitted the ordeal still affects him emotionally:
“I still have trauma from my experiences three years ago and feel stress arriving at the city’s airport,” he said.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Australian Open
Despite lingering memories of the 2022 saga, the 37-year-old Djokovic remains focused on his tennis. He is set to begin his campaign for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open next week.
Known for his meticulous dietary and health routines, Djokovic’s allegations shed new light on the challenges he faced during the controversial episode. Fans and pundits will watch closely to see how the off-court revelations impact his performance on the court.
As Djokovic seeks to extend his dominance in Melbourne, the shadow of his 2022 experience adds another chapter to his storied career.
