Open 2025 Underway
- Dates: 12-26 January
- Venue: Melbourne Park
- Coverage: Live radio commentary on BBC 5 Sports Extra, with text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
Amidst his preparations for the Australian Open 2025, Novak Djokovic has requested to shift attention back to tennis following his controversial claim of being “poisoned” during his 2022 detention in Melbourne.
Djokovic’s Poisoning Allegation
In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Djokovic shared shocking details about his detention in a Melbourne hotel after arriving without a Covid-19 vaccination in 2022.
“I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne I was fed with some food that poisoned me. I had a really high level of heavy metals lead and mercury in my body,” Djokovic stated.
The 37-year-old Serb, a record 10-time Australian Open champion, mentioned that these health issues persisted even after he returned to Serbia.
Deportation and Controversy
Djokovic’s 2022 deportation followed a visa cancellation on public health grounds, as he was unvaccinated against Covid-19. Despite his appeal, the Australian government upheld the decision, and Djokovic left the country amidst global headlines.
Australian Border Force Responds
The Australian Border Force and the Department of Home Affairs have declined to address Djokovic’s claims directly, stating:
“For privacy reasons, we cannot comment on individual cases.”
Local reporters sought further explanation at Djokovic’s pre-tournament press conference but were met with silence as the Serb walked out, leaving the event to conclude in an unusual manner.
Focus Returns to Tennis
With the Australian Open underway, Djokovic has made it clear that his primary focus is on his performance at Melbourne Park. As a 10-time champion, he aims to add another title to his illustrious career while leaving controversies behind.
