Updates – Novak Djokovic claims he was poisoned with very high level of lead and mercury
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star and 24-time Grand Slam champion, has recently alleged that he was poisoned during his detention in Australia in 2022. In an interview with GQ magazine, Djokovic claimed that while held at Melbourne’s Park Hotel due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19, he consumed food that led to high levels of heavy metals in his system, specifically lead and mercury.
Djokovic stated that upon returning to Serbia after his deportation, he experienced flu-like symptoms that worsened over time. Medical evaluations revealed elevated levels of lead and mercury, necessitating emergency medical treatment. He attributed this poisoning to the food provided during his detention, suggesting it was the only plausible source.
When questioned about these allegations during a press conference in Melbourne ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, Djokovic declined to provide further details, expressing a desire to focus on the upcoming tournament. He directed those interested to refer to his previous statements in the GQ interview.
Experts have expressed skepticism regarding Djokovic’s claims. Dr. Barbara Cardoso, a nutritional biochemist at Monash University, noted that while mercury can be present in certain foods like fish and shellfish, the concentrations in Australia are typically low. She emphasized that significant accumulation over time is usually required to cause poisoning, making acute cases from short-term exposure unlikely.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on Djokovic’s specific case, citing privacy reasons.
Djokovic’s 2022 detention stemmed from his arrival in Australia without a COVID-19 vaccination, leading to a legal battle and subsequent deportation. Despite the controversy, he returned in 2023 to clinch his 10th Australian Open title and is currently preparing for the 2025 tournament, aiming for his 11th title in Melbourne.
The Park Hotel, where Djokovic was detained, has previously faced scrutiny over conditions, with reports of asylum seekers complaining about food quality and other issues.
As Djokovic prepares for the upcoming Australian Open, he remains focused on his performance, choosing not to elaborate further on the poisoning allegations. The tournament is set to commence on January 12, with Djokovic seeking to add another Grand Slam title to his illustrious career.
