Novak Djokovic has made shocking claims about his time in Melbourne in 2022, suggesting he was “poisoned” by lead and mercury in his food while staying at a detention hotel before being deported. The world-renowned tennis player, who was controversially detained and eventually expelled from Australia over his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19, shared these revelations in a recent interview with GQ magazine.
During the interview, the 37-year-old Serbian recounted health issues he faced during his detention. He explained that after returning to Serbia, he discovered unusually high levels of lead and mercury in his system. “I had some discoveries… I had a really high level of heavy metal,” Djokovic revealed. “I had lead, a very high level of lead and mercury.” When asked if he believed the contamination came from his food, Djokovic was firm, stating, “That’s the only way.”
The claims have yet to be addressed by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, who declined to comment on the matter for privacy reasons when approached by GQ.
Despite the ordeal, Djokovic insisted that he does not hold any ill will towards the Australian people. He acknowledged that many Australians have since apologized to him for how he was treated, with some even approaching him at events worldwide. “A lot of Australian people that I meet in Australia… have come up to me, apologising for the treatment I received because they were embarrassed by their own government at that point,” he said.
Djokovic’s return to Melbourne a year later was marked by a triumphant victory in the Australian Open, where he claimed his 10th title. He added that his visa had been reinstated, for which he was grateful. Despite the government’s actions, Djokovic emphasized that he has no desire to meet the officials who were responsible for his deportation but expressed openness to moving on from the past.
As the 2024 Australian Open approaches, Djokovic is aiming for an 11th title at the Grand Slam and a record-breaking 25th major victory, continuing to focus on his tennis career despite the controversies surrounding his past in the country.
