Novak Djokovic, the undisputed king of the Australian Open with ten titles, has dropped a bombshell revelation about his infamous detention before the 2022 tournament. The Serbian superstar alleges he was poisoned during his five-day confinement in a Melbourne immigration hotel, adding a disturbing new layer to an already controversial episode.
A Scandal Revisited
Djokovic’s 2022 Australian Open saga captivated global headlines when the then-world No. 1 was barred from entering the country despite initially being granted a medical exemption for the tournament. Immigration officials determined that Djokovic, unvaccinated against COVID-19, did not meet entry requirements. He was detained in an immigration hotel, sparking worldwide outrage and debate.
After being released by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, immigration minister Alex Hawke invoked special powers to cancel Djokovic’s visa, leading to his deportation and a three-year ban, which has since been overturned.
But during a recent interview with GQ, Djokovic disclosed a shocking claim that fans never knew: he believes he was poisoned by food served to him during his detention.
“High Levels of Lead and Mercury”: Djokovic’s Alarming Health Revelation
Djokovic described how he returned to Serbia after his deportation and began experiencing severe health issues. Toxicology tests, he claims, revealed abnormally high levels of heavy metals in his system, including lead and mercury.
“When I got home, I had some health issues. And I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” Djokovic stated. “I had a really high level of heavy metal. Lead, very high levels of lead and mercury.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he fell gravely ill upon his return to Serbia, initially attributing it to flu-like symptoms. However, the prolonged severity of his illness prompted an emergency medical response.
“It was like the flu, just a simple flu. But days after, it took me down so much I had an emergency medical team treat me at home. I had that several times and then I had to do toxicology [tests].”
Bitterness and Trauma Linger
The alleged poisoning adds another bitter chapter to Djokovic’s traumatic experience in Melbourne. While he has since returned to the Australian Open, where he reclaimed the title in 2023 and 2024, Djokovic admitted that the memory of his detention still haunts him.
“I still get anxiety when I go through Melbourne airport,” Djokovic confessed.
A Controversial Comeback
Despite his detainment and the controversy surrounding his vaccination stance, Djokovic has remained dominant on the court. Preparing for the 2025 Australian Open, he has already displayed his usual brilliance, defeating top players in exhibition matches and practice sessions.
However, this latest revelation about his detention is certain to reignite debate and scrutiny over the events of 2022. It also raises serious questions about the conditions he endured and the food provided during his time in detention.
Djokovic’s Fight for History
Now 37, Djokovic enters the 2025 Australian Open as he chases an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title to surpass Margaret Court’s record. Whether this shocking revelation will overshadow his pursuit of history remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Djokovic’s story is far from finished.