Tennis legend, Novak Djokovic has alleged that he was “poisoned” with lead and mercury during his detention in a Melbourne hotel in 2022, shortly before being deported on the eve of the Australian Open.
The Serbian star disclosed these claims in an interview with GQ magazine published on January 10, 2025, stressing that the food provided at the detention facility caused high levels of heavy metals in his blood.
“I had some health issues… And I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne I was fed with some food that poisoned me.
“I had a really high level of heavy metals… very high levels of lead and mercury.” He said.
While Djokovic did not provide direct evidence linking the food to the alleged poisoning, he firmly stood by his claims.
The 2022 incident, which drew global attention, saw Djokovic barred from competing in one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments.
Despite the ordeal, Djokovic emphasized that he holds no resentment toward the Australian public and expressed gratitude for the eventual reinstatement of his visa.
“Many Australians apologized to me for the government’s actions,” Djokovic noted.
However, Djokovic returned to Melbourne in 2023 and went on to claim the Australian Open title, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
