Novak Djokovic, the tennis superstar, has dropped a bombshell, claiming he was deliberately poisoned with lead and mercury while held in a Melbourne detention hotel. This happened before his dramatic deportation on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open. Let’s dive into the details of this shocking allegation and what it means for the tennis world.
- Djokovic alleges he was poisoned with lead and mercury in Melbourne.
- This happened before his 2022 Australian Open deportation.
- He believes his food was deliberately contaminated.
- Djokovic says he holds no grudges against the Australian people.
- He is now focused on winning his 25th Grand Slam title.
The Shocking Allegations
In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Djokovic, now 37, revealed that he experienced severe health issues while detained in Melbourne. He claims that upon returning to Serbia, tests showed alarmingly high levels of heavy metals in his system. Specifically, he mentioned lead and mercury.
“I had some health issues. And I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne I was fed some food that poisoned me,” Djokovic stated. When asked if he thought the food was contaminated, his response was a firm, “That’s the only way.”
No Evidence, But No Backing Down
Despite the seriousness of these accusations, Djokovic has yet to provide concrete evidence linking his high heavy metal levels directly to the food he was given in the detention hotel. When pressed further in Melbourne, he declined to elaborate, saying he wanted to focus on the upcoming Australian Open tournament. He referred to the GQ article for further details, sticking to his claims but avoiding diving deeper into the matter.
The Australian Government’s Response
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has declined to comment on the specifics of Djokovic’s case, citing privacy reasons. However, they have clarified that the Park Hotel, where Djokovic was held, is required to provide detainees with freshly cooked, individually portioned meals. Furthermore, all catering staff are certified in food safety practices. The government also stated that food samples were taken at every meal, beginning in December 2021.
According to the Australian government, detainees had access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food that met their specific dietary needs. They were also offered breakfast options anytime, including items like bread, cereal, and hot beverages.
Moving Past the Controversy
Despite his experience, Djokovic has emphasized that he doesn’t hold any resentment towards the Australian people. He stated that many Australians have apologized for the treatment he received from their government back in 2022. After having his visa reinstated, he said he loves playing in Australia.
“I think the government’s changed, and they reinstated my visa, and I was very grateful for that. I actually love being there, and I think my results are a testament to my sensation of playing tennis and just being in that country.”
Looking Ahead
Djokovic is now focused on the 2025 Australian Open. He’s aiming for his 11th title at the tournament and his 25th Grand Slam win. Despite all the controversy, he appears determined to leave the past behind and achieve success on the court.
As for those who deported him in 2022, Djokovic stated that he has no desire to meet with them. He’s happy to shake hands if he does one day, wanting to move on from the past.
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