Novak Djokovic has refused to elaborate on claims he was poisoned while in detention in Australia three years ago.

The 10-time Australian Open champion did not receive a Covid-19 vaccine upon entering the country and was eventually deported.

He was held 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 he was poisoned by the food he was given there.

“I have some health problems,” the Serbian said. “I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne I was being fed something that was poisoning me. I had very high levels of heavy metals, very high levels of lead and mercury.”

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

At Djokovic’s press conference ahead of the Australian Open on Friday, two local reporters who were not selected to ask questions tried to press him on the matter at the end.

The 37-year-old 24-time Grand Slam champion said before leaving the room: “I did that interview a few months ago. I’m grateful. “I don’t want to talk about that in detail because I want to focus on tennis and who I am. Reason for coming here. “

The Australian Border Force declined to comment publicly on Djokovic’s claims, but it is understood the hotel complied with local food safety standards and meals provided to detainees were inspected.

Kyrgios: We treated him like s***

Kyrgios has been one of Djokovic’s biggest supporters throughout the ordeal, and when asked about the new accusations, the Australian said: “I haven’t spoken to him. I don’t even know about that. We treated him like shit and that’s certainly not what we should be doing.”

Djokovic ‘surprised’ by Murray’s dedication and professionalism

The issue is likely to overshadow Djokovic’s first-round match against American youngster Nishish Basavareddy at Melbourne Park on Monday, a match in which he will have Andy Murray as coach for the first time .

Djokovic spoke glowingly of his first impressions of the Scotland coach’s abilities, saying: “I’m delighted to start playing with him.

“He spends a lot of time every day with the other team members trying to keep up with them. So far it’s been nothing but a positive experience for me. Considering he’s never had an experience like this, I’m very impressed with him. Very pleasantly surprised by the dedication and professionalism of my experience as a tennis coach.

“It comes naturally to him. His IQ and tennis IQ are very high. He observes and speaks when it matters most. I think he understands when he needs to say something, what to say, what to ask.

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

“Not in a negative way, but in a way, I’ve never done that to him because he’s always been one of my biggest rivals. We’ve always hidden things from each other.

“Now all the cards are on the table. That’s what he’s asking for. I’m 100 percent behind this type of communication of sharing everything because that’s the best way for him to get to know you and help you in any way he can.”

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

Defending champion Jannik Sinner, the favorite to win the men’s title, took to social media to address Kyrgios’ comments against him after failing two doping tests last March.

Sinner was cleared of wrongdoing, something Kyrgios made clear he disagreed with, but Sinner could still face a ban following an appeal by WADA.

“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 other players said.”

Sinner still doesn’t know when the case will be resolved, saying: “Of course, you think about it. If I told you I forgot, I’d be lying. No, that’s not what happened. This is something I have. “I’ve had it for a long time now.

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

What’s coming to Sky Sports Tennis?

• ABN AMRO Rotterdam Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
• Dallas Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
• Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• The 13th Provence Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – February 3-9
• Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – February 3-8
• Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – February 9-15
• Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship (WTA 1000) – February 16-22

Watch ATP and WTA Tour events and the US Open in New York live on Sky Sports in 2025, or Live with NOW and sky sports appthis year Sky Sports customers can watch more than 50% of live sports events for free. Learn more here.