Novak Djokovic says he wants to focus on tennis at the Australian Open after a recent interview published claimed the Serbian was poisoned whilst detained at a Melbourne hotel.
During an interview with GQ magazine, the 24-time Grand Slam spoke about his time at the facility. In 2022 Djokovic had his visa cancelled upon arrival in Australia due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19 which prompted a high-profile legal case. He was initially detained at an immigration hotel before having that decision overturned on procedural grounds. After a court battle, the Serbian was deported after failing to overturn the decision of the government to cancel his VISA on public health grounds.
“I had some health issues. And I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed some food that poisoned me,” Djokovic told GQ.
“I had some discoveries when I came back to Serbia. I never told this to anybody publicly, but discoveries that I had a really high level of heavy metal. I had lead, a very high level of lead and mercury.”
When asked if he believed his food was contaminated, Djokovic replied ‘“That’s the only way.”
Speaking to reporters in Melbourne on Friday, the former world No.1 was reluctant to speak any further about the matter which has been disputed by some academics.
“I’ve done that interview many months ago,” Djokovic commented.
“I would appreciate not talking more in detail about that, as I would like to focus on the tennis and why I’m here.”
During a recent interview with The Herald Sun, Djokovic said he still has ‘a bit of trauma from three years ago’ when arriving in the country and going through passport control. However, he doesn’t hold a ‘grudge’ against anybody.
At this year’s Australian Open, Djokovic is aiming to win a record 11th title. His opening match will be against Nishesh Basavareddy.
