'I was poisoned in detention’: Djokovic opens up on 2022 deportation ordeal
The former world number one was deported after his visa was cancelled due to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Novak Djokovic has alleged he was "poisoned" with lead and mercury in his food during his brief detention in Melbourne before being deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open.
The former world number one was deported after his visa was cancelled due to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19. While fighting an unsuccessful legal battle to stay, Djokovic was held in a detention hotel in Melbourne.
"I had some health issues. And I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed some food that poisoned me," Djokovic, now 37, revealed in an interview with GQ magazine published on 11 January.
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"I had some discoveries when I came back to Serbia. I never told this to anybody publicly, but I found out I had a really high level of heavy metals. I had lead, a very high level of lead and mercury," he claimed.
When asked if he believed the contamination came from his food, the Serbian tennis star responded, "That's the only way."
Australia's Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on Djokovic's claims, citing privacy concerns.
The government noted that detainees at the Park Hotel, where Djokovic was held, were served freshly cooked meals that adhered to food safety standards. These meals were individually portioned and catered to medical or dietary requirements.
The hotel was said to provide food samples at every meal to contractors responsible for detention services. Detainees were also offered a selection of breakfast items, including bread, cereal, noodles, tea, and coffee, available at any hour of the day or night.
Despite the 2022 ordeal, Djokovic insists he harbours no resentment towards Australians. Speaking about his return to the Australian Open in 2023, where he clinched his 10th title in Melbourne, Djokovic expressed gratitude for the support he received.
"A lot of Australian people that I meet in Australia the last few years, or elsewhere in the world, have come up to me, apologising for the treatment I received because they were embarrassed by their own government at that point," Djokovic said.
The tennis star acknowledged that a change in government led to the reinstatement of his visa, for which he was thankful. "I actually love being there, and I think my results are a testament to my sensation of playing tennis and just being in that country."
However, Djokovic made it clear he has no desire to meet the officials responsible for his deportation. "If I do one day, that's fine as well. I'm happy to shake hands and move on."
