‘I Was Poisoned’: Novak Djokovic’s Explosive Claim Before 2022 Australian Open Deportation
Novak Djokovic claims he was poisoned by food in a Melbourne hotel during his 2022 Australian Open detention. Experts discuss the possibility and share insights on heavy metal contamination.
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Novak Djokovic’s Experience in Melbourne Hotel Detention
In a recent interview, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, revisited his traumatic experience from 2022, when his visa for the Australian Open was canceled. Detained in a Melbourne hotel, Djokovic claims he was poisoned by the food served during his five-day stay. While his statement sparked debate, experts suggest that food poisoning in such a setting is “possible but very unlikely.”
Novak Djokovic’s Poisoning Claim: Real or Exaggerated?
Djokovic stated that, after returning to Serbia, medical tests revealed “high levels of heavy metals” in his system, specifically lead and mercury. This led him to believe that the food served in his Melbourne detention may have been the cause.
However, experts like Damian Maganja from the George Institute for Global Health find this accusation “wild” due to the limited time Djokovic spent in detention. He pointed out that no other reports of food contamination had surfaced from that period, making the claim less credible.
Heavy Metals in Food: What Experts Say
Food contamination with heavy metals like mercury and lead is rare, especially in Australia. Dr. Barbara Cardoso, a nutritional biochemist from Monash University, explained that Australia’s exposure to lead and mercury is generally low. This is largely due to strict regulations phasing out lead from paint, petrol, and plumbing.
Djokovic, a vegan, likely consumed plant-based meals, which are less likely to be contaminated with mercury. “Mercury is mainly present in fish and shellfish,” said Cardoso, “and these foods are known to have minimal concentrations in Australia.”
Dr. Catharine Fleming, a public health expert, added that while food provision during the pandemic quarantine was poorly managed, connecting Djokovic’s symptoms to specific foods without clinical tests is challenging.
Expert Opinions on Djokovic’s Poisoning Claim
| Expert | Expertise | Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Damian Maganja | Research Fellow, Food Policy | “Possible but unlikely due to lack of other complaints.” |
| Dr. Barbara Cardoso | Nutritional Biochemist | “Australia has low exposure to mercury and lead contamination.” |
| Dr. Catharine Fleming | Public Health Lecturer | “Hard to prove causation between food consumed and poisoning.” |
Djokovic’s Visa Saga and Public Reaction
Djokovic’s visa cancellation in 2022 caused international headlines. Initially barred from entering Australia for being unvaccinated, the decision was later reinforced by then-immigration minister Alex Hawke, citing potential risks to public health and social cohesion.
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios later criticized how his home country treated Djokovic, remarking, “we treated him like shit.” Kyrgios acknowledged that the visa situation was poorly handled, though he did not specifically comment on Djokovic’s poisoning claim.
Conclusions from Experts
While Djokovic’s claims have reignited debates, experts agree that the likelihood of food poisoning during his detention is slim. The lack of supporting clinical evidence, combined with the fact that Australia’s food safety measures are robust, make it improbable that Djokovic’s high metal levels originated from his brief stay in Melbourne.
Moving Forward: Djokovic’s Return to the Australian Open
As Djokovic prepares for the 2025 Australian Open, his experiences from 2022 continue to shape public opinion. While his poisoning claim may be unlikely, it underscores the stress and controversy surrounding his visa saga. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment on the matter but wished Djokovic well in his upcoming tournament.