Novak Djokovic Reveals Shocking Claims of Poisoning in Australia

Djokovic reveals he still feels trauma from his 2022 Australian Open detention, alleging he was poisoned by food and discovering high levels of heavy metals in his system.

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has declined to comment on Novak Djokovic's visa status, citing privacy reasons, according to GQ.

In a recent interview with Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper, Djokovic opened up about the lasting impact of his experiences in Australia three years ago. “I still have trauma from my experiences three years ago and I feel stress arriving at the city's airport,” he revealed. The 37-year-old tennis star is set to begin his campaign for a record-extending 25th major title at the Australian Open next week.

Novak Djokovic has made a startling claim that he was “poisoned” by the food he ate during his detention in Melbourne ahead of the 2022 Australian Open. In an interview with GQ released on Thursday, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis star revealed that he believes the food he ingested while being held in a hotel shared with asylum-seekers had adverse effects on his health.

Djokovic, a 24-time major winner and former world number one, had his visa cancelled prior to the 2022 Australian Open due to his unvaccinated status and the ensuing controversy surrounding Australia's COVID-19 entry rules. Reflecting on his experience, Djokovic stated, “I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me.” He noted that he is meticulous about his diet, which made the alleged poisoning even more concerning.

"Novak is not just one of the best tennis players of all-time but one of the best athletes of all-time" 💪

Andy Murray on what it's like coaching Novak Djokovic 🗣️#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/6MAXwa4hpe

— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 9, 2025

Upon returning to Serbia, Djokovic underwent tests that revealed alarming levels of heavy metals in his system. “I had some discoveries when I came back to Serbia. I never told this to anybody publicly, but discovered that I was, I had a really high level of heavy metal. Heavy metal. I had the lead, very high level of lead and mercury,” Djokovic disclosed.