Novak Djokovic: Ten-time champion deflects questions on poisoning claims at 2022 Australian Open | Tennis News happymamay

Novak Djokovic has refused to provide details of his claims he was poisoned while in detention in Australia three years ago.

The 10-time Australian Open champion was eventually deported after entering the country without getting vaccinated against Covid-19.

He was detained at the Park Hotel for five days, and in an interview with GQ magazine published on Thursday, Djokovic claimed publicly for the first time that the food he was served there poisoned him.

“I was having some health problems,” the Serbian said. “And I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed some foods that poisoned me. I had a very high level of heavy metals, a very high level of lead and mercury.”

An issue that seemed to be a thing of the past is now back in the spotlight, causing a media storm in Australia.

Two local journalists who were not selected to ask questions during Djokovic’s press conference on Friday before the Australian Open eventually tried to press him on the issue.

Before leaving the room, the 37-year-old Grand Slam champion, who revealed in another interview that he still feels shocked when he enters the country, said: “I did that interview several months ago. I would appreciate it. I won’t talk in more detail about that because I want to Focusing on tennis and why I’m here.”

The Australian Border Force has declined to comment publicly on Djokovic’s claims, but it is understood the hotel meets local food safety standards and that meals served to detainees have been inspected.

Kyrgios: We treated him badly

Nick Kyrgios has been one of Djokovic’s biggest supporters during the ordeal, and when asked about the new allegations, the Australian said: “I didn’t speak to him. I didn’t even know it. We treated him badly, that’s what it is.” We certainly shouldn’t have done that.”

Djokovic is ‘surprised’ by Murray’s dedication and professionalism

This issue threatens to overshadow Djokovic’s first-round match at Melbourne Park on Monday against young American Nishesh Basavardi, where Andy Murray will be present in his training box for the first time.

Djokovic spoke glowingly about his first impressions of the Scottish coach’s abilities, saying: “I am excited to start the tournament with him.

“He spends a lot of time every day with the other team members, trying to get along with them. So far this has only been a positive experience for me. I’m very amazed by his dedication and professionalism, considering he’s second to none.” Experience working as a tennis coach.

“It’s natural for him. His overall IQ and tennis IQ are very high. He watches and speaks when it matters most. I think he understands the moment when he needs to say something and what to say and what to ask.”

“I have to say at first that it felt a bit strange to be able to share thoughts with him, not just about the game but about how I feel about life in general.

“Not in a negative way, but in a way that I would never do that to him because he was always one of my greatest rivals. We were always hiding things from each other.

“Now all the cards are open on the table. That’s what he’s asking. I’m 100% in favor of this kind of communication style where you share everything because that’s the best way for him to understand you and to help you in any way he wants. He can.”

Guilty: I don’t want to respond to what Kyrgios said

Defending champion Jannik Sinner is the favorite to win the men’s title, and he addressed the social media campaign against him by Kyrgios after two failed drug tests last March.

Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing, something Kyrgios made clear he did not agree with, but he could face a ban after an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency.

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” Sinner said. “That’s why I’m still here. That’s why I’m still playing. I don’t want to respond to what Nick said or what the other players say.”

Sinner remains in the dark about when the case might be solved. “You’re thinking about it, of course,” he said. “I’d be lying if I told you I forgot. No, it’s not like that. It’s something I’ve had for a long time now.”

“But that’s how it is. I’m here trying to prepare for the Grand Slam. Let’s see how it goes.”

What’s new on Sky Sports Tennis?

• ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam (ATP 500) – February 3-9
• Dallas Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
• Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• IEB+ Argentine Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• 13 Open Provence (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• Transylvania Open (WTA 250 tournament) – February 3-9
• Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – February 3-8
• Qatar Total Energies Open (WTA 1000) – February 9-15
• Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) – February 16-22

Watch the ATP and WTA tours, plus the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or Stream with now and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to more than 50 per cent of live sporting events this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.