Novak Djokovic refuses to answer questions over 2022 Australian poisoning claims

Novak Djokovic has refused to answer questions about claims he was ‘poisoned’ while detained in Melbourne during the 2022 Australian Open visa saga.

Novak Djokovic has refused to answer questions about claims he was “poisoned” while detained in Melbourne during the 2022 Australian Open visa saga.

The 24-time grand slam champion made the stunning revelation in an interview with GQ, saying he only found out when he returned to Serbia that he’d been fed something irregular while in hotel detention he shared with asylum-seekers.

Djokovic had his visa cancelled by the Australian Border Force because of his unvaccinated status didn’t adhere to Australia’s Covid-10 entry rules at the time.

The former world No.1 decided to take a question about the poisoning claims on Friday despite officials trying to end the media conference.

Novak Djokovic has refused to answer questions over claims he was ‘poisoned’ in Australia in 2022. Picture: Getty Images

“Look, the GQ article came out online yesterday,” Djokovic said. “I think it’s a February issue, so it’s coming out in print version.

“I’ve done that interview many months ago. I would appreciate not talking more in detail about that, as I would like to focus on the tennis and why I’m here.

“If you want to see what I’ve said and get more info on that, you can always revert to the article.”

In the section of the article which has already been released Djokovic said a high level of lead and mercury was found in his body when he returned home from Australia.

“I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with 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 was, I had a really high level of heavy metal. Heavy metal.

“I had the lead, very high level of lead and mercury.”

He went on to say his deportation was purely a “political” move.

“It had nothing really to do with vaccine or COVID-19 or anything else. It’s just political,” he said.

“The politicians could not stand me being there. For them, I think, it was less damage to deport me than to keep me there.”

Djokovic has claimed high level of lead and mercury were found in his body after he was detained in Melbourne and deported from Australian in 2022. Picture: AAP

While his family still holds a grudge against Australia, Djokovic – who returned to Melbourne Park the following year to win the Australian Open title for a 10th time – says he is enjoying being back this year with new coach Andy Murray.

He even took time on Friday to reminisce on the fact it’s the 20th anniversary of the first time he played in the tournament,

“It’s a 20-year anniversary I guess this year,” he said. “It’s a nice number of years that I’ve been coming to Australia, the place where I had the greatest grand slam success.

“Back in 2005, it was the first time I qualified for any grand slam and played Marat Safin in the centre court. It was a pretty quick match for me. He later won the tournament, but it was a very unique experience that allowed me to dream big and keep on believing that I can one day win a slam.

“Three years later I won my first slam on the same court. Just lovely memories and I always try to relive those moments. It’s a pleasure to be back.”

The 37-year-old plays American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round on Monday.

Originally published as Novak Djokovic refuses to answer questions over 2022 Australian poisoning claims