Novak Djokovic says was ‘poisoned’ during detention in Melbourne in 2022

“I had some discoveries when I came back to Serbia. I never told this to anybody publicly, but discovered that I was, I had a high level of heavy metal. Heavy metal. I had the lead, very high level of lead and mercury,” he added.

The Serbian 24-times major winner had his visa cancelled ahead of the tournament following days of drama over Australia’s COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status, and was detained in a Melbourne hotel shared with asylum-seekers.

GQ said Australia’s Department of Home Affairs had declined to comment on the matter, citing privacy reasons.

Djokovic told Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper this week that he still has trauma from his experiences three years ago and feels stress arriving at the city’s airport.

The saga

Djokovic at the time described his detention and deportation from Australia that prevented him from defending his Australian Open title as an “unfortunate event” and thanked the Serbian president for his support.

An 11-day saga over Djokovic’s entry visa ended with the Serb being deported for failing to meet Australia’s strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

To enter Australia, Djokovic submitted a positive test issued in Serbia in December 2021 for a visa exemption because he had recently recovered from the virus.

He is not vaccinated, and the Australian government later decided to cancel his visa and deport Djokovic, saying his presence in Australia could stir anti-vaccination sentiments.

The 37-year-old begins his campaign for a record-extending 25th major title at the Australian Open next week.