Novak Djokovic, in a recent interview with GQ, alleges he suffered food poisoning during his controversial 2022 detention in Melbourne. Djokovic’s visa was revoked and he was subsequently deported due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19, just before the Australian Open. This ignited a 10-day legal battle and international controversy.
Djokovic claims he experienced “health issues” upon returning to Serbia, attributing them to contaminated food consumed at the Melbourne detention hotel. “I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” Djokovic stated. He further revealed that subsequent tests revealed significantly high levels of lead and mercury in his system. “I had the lead, very high level of lead and mercury…very sick,” he explained. While initially experiencing flu-like symptoms, Djokovic’s condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring emergency medical intervention and toxicology testing.
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The Food and Drug Administration acknowledges that lead contamination can occur in food products during raising, growing, or processing. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on Djokovic’s allegations, citing privacy concerns. However, the Associated Press reported that Djokovic declined to elaborate on the issue before the 2023 Australian Open, preferring to focus on the tournament. “I would appreciate not talking more in detail about that, as I would like to focus on the tennis and why I’m here,” he stated, referring inquiries to the GQ article.
Djokovic also addressed the broader Australian experience in the GQ interview. Despite the 2022 ordeal, he expressed appreciation for the support received from many Australians who apologized for his treatment, expressing embarrassment over their government’s actions. He was granted a visa to participate in the 2023 Australian Open, signaling a shift in the situation.
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This recent revelation adds another layer to the already complex narrative surrounding Djokovic’s 2022 Australian Open experience. While the tennis star has chosen to prioritize his current tournament participation, the allegations of food poisoning and heavy metal contamination remain a significant aspect of his past ordeal. The incident continues to highlight the tensions surrounding vaccination mandates and international travel protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
