Djokovic Claims He Was 'Poisoned' with Heavy Metals Before 2022 Australian Open Deportation

Novak Djokovic has revealed that he was "poisoned" with lead and mercury while detained in Melbourne in 2022, just before being deported on the eve of the Australian Open. In an interview with GQ, Djokovic, 37, shared that he experienced health issues during his detention and later discovered unusually high levels of heavy metals in his body after returning to Serbia.

“I had some health issues… I realized the food I was given poisoned me,” Djokovic said, speculating that the contamination came from the meals provided at the hotel. While Australia's Department of Home Affairs maintains that detainees were given nutritious, culturally appropriate meals, Djokovic remains convinced his food was the source of his poisoning.

Despite the controversy surrounding his deportation, Djokovic holds no grudge against the Australian public, citing many Australians who apologized to him for the government's actions. He will be vying for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open, having returned to Melbourne a year later to win the tournament.