Novak Djokovic: Ten-time champion responds to claims of poisoning at 2022 Australian Open | Tennis news
Novak Djokovic has refused to comment on claims he was poisoned three years ago while in prison in Australia.
The 10-time Australian Open champion was eventually deported after he entered the country without being 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 publicly admitted that the food he was given there for the first time affected the poison.
“I had some health problems,” the Serbian said. “And I found out I had food poisoning in a hotel in Melbourne. I had very high levels of heavy metals, very high levels of lead and mercury.”
It created a media storm in Australia.
Two local journalists, who were not selected to ask questions during Djokovic’s pre-Australian Open press conference on Friday, finally tried to press him on the matter.
Before leaving the room, the 37-year-old 24-time Grand Slam champion said in another interview that he still feels terrible about entering the country: “I did that interview several months ago. I won’t go into detail about that because I want to focus on tennis and why I’m here.
The Australian Border Force declined to comment publicly on Djokovic’s claims, but it is understood the hotel met local food safety standards and inspected food served to detainees.
Kyrgos: According to G
Nick Kyrgios has been one of Djokovic’s biggest supporters during his ordeal and when asked about the new allegations, the Australian said: “I haven’t spoken to him. I didn’t even know that. We treated him like s***, that’s it. We definitely shouldn’t have done that.
Djokovic was ‘surprised’ by Murray’s commitment and professionalism
The issue will disrupt Djokovic’s first-round match against young American Nishesh Basavareddy at Melbourne Park on Monday and will have Andy Murray in the coaching box.
Djokovic spoke eloquently of his first impressions of the Scotsman’s coaching skills, saying, “I’m excited to start the tournament with him.
“Every day he is spending a little time with the other team members and trying to get along with them. It has been only a positive experience for me so far. I am very pleased with his dedication and professionalism, considering that he has never had the experience of working as a tennis coach.
“It’s natural to him. His IQ in general and his tennis IQ is very high. He sees and speaks when it matters most. I think he understands what to say and what to say and what to ask.”
“I have to say that at first it was a bit of a strange feeling to be able to share with him my insights not only about the game but about life in general.
“Not in a negative way, but I wouldn’t do that with him because he’s always been one of my biggest rivals.
“Now all the cards are open on the table. That’s what he’s asking for. I’m 100% in favor of that kind of communication where you share everything because that’s the best way for him to help you and he can help you in any way he can.”
Sinner: I don’t want to respond to what Kyrgos said.
Defending champion Janic Siner, the men’s champion, has addressed a social media campaign against Kyrgios following two doping tests last March.
Sinner has been cleared of wrongdoing, Kyrgios has made it clear he disagrees, but a ban could be imposed after the World Anti-Doping Agency appeals.
“I didn’t lose anything,” Siner said. “That’s why I’m still here. That’s why I’m still playing. I don’t want to react to what Nick says or what other players say.”
Sinner remains in the dark about when the matter will be resolved and said: “You think about it, of course, I’d be lying if I told you I forgot. No, it’s not like that. It’s something I have. I have for a long time now.”
“But it is what it is. I’m here trying to prepare for the Grand Slam. Let’s see how it goes.”
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2025-01-10 12:58:00
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