Professional tennis player's shocking claim: Was he 'poisoned' during his deportation nightmare?
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The world of professional sports is no stranger to drama. Still, few incidents have been as contentious and headline-grabbing as the saga that unfolded around tennis superstar Novak Djokovic's deportation from Australia in 2022.
Now, three years after the incident that shook the tennis world, Djokovic has come forward with a startling claim that adds yet another layer to the story: he believes he was 'poisoned' during his detention in Melbourne.
For those who remember, Djokovic's ordeal began when he arrived in Australia to compete in the 2022 Australian Open.
The Serbian athlete, a ten-time champion of the event, was detained and confined to the Park Hotel in Carlton after his visa was cancelled.
The reason was a clash over Australia's COVID-19 entry rules and Djokovic's unvaccinated status.
The situation quickly escalated into an international incident, with debates raging over health policies, athletes' rights, and national sovereignty.
In a recent interview with GQ, Djokovic made the shocking revelation that he became seriously ill after consuming food provided to him during his detention.
'I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me,' Djokovic stated.
Upon returning to Serbia, toxicology tests reportedly showed alarmingly high levels of heavy metals, including lead and mercury, in his system.
When asked if he believed the illness stemmed from the food he ate while detained, Djokovic suggested there were no other explanations.
When approached for comment by GQ, the Department of Home Affairs in Australia declined to respond, citing privacy reasons.
This lack of official response only adds to the mystery and speculation surrounding Djokovic's claims.
The tennis star recounted how his health deteriorated rapidly on the flight back to Serbia, describing symptoms akin to a severe flu that significantly weakened him.
This prompted his medical team to conduct the toxicology tests that led to his disturbing discovery.
Despite the harrowing experience, Djokovic has returned to Australia and continued to compete at the highest level, even winning the Australian Open in 2023, which he described as one of his most emotional victories.
It's a testament to his resilience and professionalism, as he insists he harbours no resentment or grudges towards Melbourne or the Australian authorities.
The incident, however, has left its mark on Djokovic. He admitted to feeling a sense of trauma when passing through Australian immigration, a reminder of the uncertainty and fear he faced during his deportation.
The psychological impact of such an event cannot be underestimated, especially for an athlete whose career involves constant international travel.
As the 2025 Australian Open approaches, the tennis community and fans worldwide will watch Djokovic's performance keenly.
His ability to overcome adversity and compete at the highest level is undeniable, but the lingering effects of his deportation ordeal will undoubtedly be part of the narrative.
What are your thoughts on Djokovic's recent claims? Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt mistreated during travel or in a foreign country? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.
Now, three years after the incident that shook the tennis world, Djokovic has come forward with a startling claim that adds yet another layer to the story: he believes he was 'poisoned' during his detention in Melbourne.
For those who remember, Djokovic's ordeal began when he arrived in Australia to compete in the 2022 Australian Open.
The Serbian athlete, a ten-time champion of the event, was detained and confined to the Park Hotel in Carlton after his visa was cancelled.
Novak Djokovic claimed he was 'poisoned' by food while detained in Melbourne before the 2022 Australian Open. Credit: Facebook
The reason was a clash over Australia's COVID-19 entry rules and Djokovic's unvaccinated status.
The situation quickly escalated into an international incident, with debates raging over health policies, athletes' rights, and national sovereignty.
In a recent interview with GQ, Djokovic made the shocking revelation that he became seriously ill after consuming food provided to him during his detention.
'I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me,' Djokovic stated.
Upon returning to Serbia, toxicology tests reportedly showed alarmingly high levels of heavy metals, including lead and mercury, in his system.
When asked if he believed the illness stemmed from the food he ate while detained, Djokovic suggested there were no other explanations.
When approached for comment by GQ, the Department of Home Affairs in Australia declined to respond, citing privacy reasons.
This lack of official response only adds to the mystery and speculation surrounding Djokovic's claims.
The tennis star recounted how his health deteriorated rapidly on the flight back to Serbia, describing symptoms akin to a severe flu that significantly weakened him.
This prompted his medical team to conduct the toxicology tests that led to his disturbing discovery.
Despite the harrowing experience, Djokovic has returned to Australia and continued to compete at the highest level, even winning the Australian Open in 2023, which he described as one of his most emotional victories.
It's a testament to his resilience and professionalism, as he insists he harbours no resentment or grudges towards Melbourne or the Australian authorities.
The incident, however, has left its mark on Djokovic. He admitted to feeling a sense of trauma when passing through Australian immigration, a reminder of the uncertainty and fear he faced during his deportation.
The psychological impact of such an event cannot be underestimated, especially for an athlete whose career involves constant international travel.
As the 2025 Australian Open approaches, the tennis community and fans worldwide will watch Djokovic's performance keenly.
His ability to overcome adversity and compete at the highest level is undeniable, but the lingering effects of his deportation ordeal will undoubtedly be part of the narrative.
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