Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis superstar and one of the sport’s all-time greats, has made a shocking claim regarding his experience in Australia during the 2022 Australian Open. In an interview with GQ ahead of the 2025 tournament, Djokovic alleged that he was poisoned with lead while detained in Melbourne.
“I had some health issues, and I realized that in that Melbourne hotel, I was being fed food that poisoned me,” Djokovic stated. “When I returned to Serbia, I made some discoveries. I’ve never said this publicly before, but I found out I had a very high level of heavy metals—lead and mercury in particular.”
When asked if he believed the poisoning stemmed from the food provided to him, Djokovic responded, “That’s the only explanation.”
Djokovic’s allegations date back to January 2022, during a highly controversial period in which he was detained by Australian authorities over his unvaccinated status against COVID-19. The tennis champion had been barred from entering the country and competing in the Australian Open.
Djokovic described the treatment he received as vastly different from that of other athletes in quarantine, claiming he was placed in a “prison-like room” in a Melbourne hotel. He further stated that the food served there was the only source of sustenance he consumed during his stay.
The star was eventually deported, just days before the tournament began, after Australian authorities ruled against his entry due to his vaccination status.
A spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Home Affairs declined to comment specifically on Djokovic’s claims, citing privacy protections. “For privacy reasons, the department cannot comment on individual cases,” the spokesperson told GQ.
Djokovic’s accusation has added another layer of controversy to an already turbulent chapter in his career. While he has previously spoken about the emotional toll of his deportation, this is the first time he has disclosed concerns about his physical health during that period.
As Djokovic prepares to compete in the 2025 Australian Open, his comments have sparked discussions about the treatment of athletes in quarantine and the broader implications of his experience in 2022. The tennis world will be watching closely to see if further details emerge about this stunning allegation.
