Novak Djokovic reveals he was ‘poisoned’ before Melbourne deportation in 2022, says ‘I had a high level of heavy metal’

24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic revealed that he was ‘poisoned’ during his brief stay in Melbourne in 2022 amid the COVID row. Novak Djokovic's comments come just days before the start of the Australian Open 2025, where the world No. 7 is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam.

Djokovic's claims date back to January 2022, when he was deported for being non-vaccinated against the coronavirus. When he landed in Melbourne to play in the Australian Open 2022, Djokovic was detained for his vaccination status against coronavirus.

The Serbian was sent to an immigration hotel, and his visa was cancelled. The 37-year-old tennis legend fought a legal battle but was unsuccessful before finally departing.

“I had some health issues, and I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed some food that poisoned me,” Djokovic was quoted as saying to GQ magazine.

Djokovic revealed that he found traces of lead and mercury in his body after returning to Serbia. "I had some discoveries when I came back to Serbia. I never told this to anybody publicly, but I discovered that I had a really high level of heavy metal. I had lead, a very high level of lead and mercury," added the former world no.1."

In 2022, the Australian government had strict rules and regulations against coronavirus. They didn't allow anyone, irrespective of their stature, if the person wasn't vaccinated against coronavirus.

Djokovic returned to Melbourne the following year and won. In fact, 10 of Djokovic's 24 Grand Slams have come at Australian Open. However, he has no ill feelings against any Australian.

“A lot of Australian people that I met in Australia the last few years or elsewhere in the world have come up to me, apologising to me for the treatment I received because they were embarrassed by their own government at that point,” said Djokovic.

Djokovic aims record 25th Grand Slam

Meanwhile, at the Australian Open 2025, Djokovic will open his campaign against Indian-origin American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy. Djokovic and No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz could meet in the quarterfinals, with a possible semifinal against No. 2 Alexander Zverev. Djokovic will play with a new coach in former rival and multiple-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray.