Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has made a startling revelation about his experience in an Australian immigration detention facility back in 2022.
Djokovic, who was infamously deported from the country due to COVID-19 vaccination requirements, claims that the food he was served during his detention was poisoned, leaving him with high levels of lead and mercury in his system.
A Nightmarish Experience
Djokovic spent five days at the Park Hotel in Carlton, a facility notorious for its poor conditions, including maggots, moldy food, and inadequate medical services.
The tennis legend has now come forward, stating that he suffered from health issues after consuming the food provided during his detention.
“I had some health issues, and I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” Djokovic said in an interview with GQ Sports.
The Aftermath
After returning to Serbia, Djokovic underwent toxicology tests, which revealed alarmingly high levels of lead and mercury in his system.
He described his experience as being “very sick, like the flu,” but with severe symptoms that required emergency medical attention.
Djokovic claims that the only possible explanation for the poisoning is the food he was served during his detention.
Holding No Grudges
Despite the traumatic experience, Djokovic has chosen not to hold any grudges against the Australian people. In fact, he has returned to Melbourne and Australia every year since his deportation, winning his 10th Australian Open crown in 2023.
However, he admits that his family still harbors resentment towards the country’s government for the way he was treated.
A New Chapter
As Djokovic prepares to compete in the upcoming Australian Open, he will face 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round. Basavareddy, who has modeled his game after Djokovic, will have the opportunity to test his skills against his idol.
With a new government in place and his visa reinstated, Djokovic is looking forward to a fresh start in Australia, where he has always felt a strong connection to the people and the tennis community.