Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star and former world number one, has claimed he was "poisoned" with lead and mercury in his food during his brief and troubled stay in Melbourne in 2022, just prior to his deportation.
The deportation controversy arose from Djokovic's refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
The tennis star had his visa cancelled and spent time in a detention hotel while fighting an unsuccessful legal battle to stay and compete in the Australian Open.
"I had some health issues. And I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed some food that poisoned me," Djokovic revealed to GQ magazine in an extensive interview.
Upon returning to Serbia, tests reportedly showed high levels of heavy metals in his body. "I had lead, a very high level of lead and mercury," he said, further suggesting that food contamination was "the only way" this could have occurred.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs, when approached for comment, declined, citing "privacy reasons".
Djokovic, now 37, harbours no resentment towards Australians despite the ordeal.
"A lot of Australian people that I meet… have come up to me, apologising for the treatment I received," he noted, adding that he is grateful for the reinstatement of his visa.
The tennis legend is bidding for his 11th Australian Open title and a record-setting 25th Grand Slam as the season’s first major tournament kicks off on
Sunday.
However, Djokovic expressed no desire to meet the officials responsible for his deportation but maintained a conciliatory stance. "If I do one day, that’s fine as well. I’m happy to shake hands and move on."
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