Novak Djokovic has made a shocking claim, alleging he was poisoned with lead during his detention in Australia before being deported in 2022. The tennis superstar, now a 24-time Grand Slam champion, opened up about his experience in a recent interview with GQ, sharing the lingering trauma from what he called his Melbourne “Covid nightmare.”
Djokovic was held at Melbourne’s Park Hotel for five days after his visa was canceled by then-Immigration Minister Alex Hawke. His entry was denied due to his vaccination status, as Australia imposed strict Covid-19 border restrictions at the time.
Reflecting on his time in detention, Djokovic revealed alarming health discoveries upon his return to Serbia. “I had some health issues. I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” he said. “I had a really high level of heavy metals—lead and mercury.”
When asked if he believed the food was the source, Djokovic replied, “That’s the only way.” He claimed the meals provided by the hotel were his only food source during his stay, and he described his accommodation as akin to a “jail-type room.”
A spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on the allegations, citing privacy reasons.
Djokovic’s deportation in January 2022, just days before he was set to defend his Australian Open title, drew global attention. His visa was canceled on “health and good order” grounds, with federal judges ultimately upholding the government’s decision.
The Serbian athlete suggested his removal was politically motivated, stating, “It had nothing really to do with vaccines or Covid. The politicians could not stand me being there.” Djokovic also claimed the government feared he had become a “hero” for the growing anti-vaccination movement in Australia at the time.
While maintaining that he is “not pro-vaccine and not anti-vax,” Djokovic emphasized his belief in personal choice. He confirmed he has not been vaccinated since his deportation, saying, “I don’t feel like I needed one,” and adding that he remains “extremely mindful” of what he consumes as a professional athlete.
Djokovic defended his actions leading up to the controversy, noting that his positive Covid test on December 16, 2021, had initially qualified him for an exemption under Australia’s rules for unvaccinated travelers.
Despite the ordeal, Djokovic has returned to Australia and participated in tournaments since then, though he admitted he still feels “trauma” when visiting Melbourne.
His deportation marked the first time he missed the Australian Open as the defending champion, concluding a 10-day saga that remains one of the most polarizing moments in sports during the pandemic era.