Turmoil in Melbourne: Djokovic accused of poisoning

Novak Djokovic crashed a press conference by Alexander Zverev before the start of the Australian Open, causing much laughter. In his own interview, the Serbian tennis superstar made serious accusations.

10 January 2025

From: fop/dpa

Djokovic mingled with journalists at the media day on Friday and asked two unusual questions. Zverev remained cool and caused laughter with an answer.

"We know that you love the universe, the planetary system. Can you tell us what you find so exciting about space research?" asked Djokovic (37) from the last row in the largest interview room of the media center in Melbourne Park. Zverev answered with a smile:

Djokovic asks Zverev questions about the universe

But the 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner was not satisfied with that. "Do you think the answer to how to win a Grand Slam lies in space?" Djokovic asked. "I think the answer to the question of how to win a Grand Slam is that you let me win one," joked Zverev. Afterwards, the two tennis stars hugged and Djokovic took to the press conference stage.

Alexander Zverev (l.) and Novak Djokovic get along splendidly. © APA/afp / DAVID GRAY

Djokovic has already won the tournament in Melbourne ten times. With former professional Andy Murray as his new coach, the Serb is aiming for a total of 25 Grand Slam triumphs. This would make him the sole record holder for the most victories at the four most important tennis tournaments.

"I know exactly what's going on" Novak Djokovic

First, however, the exceptional talent throws in an interview with the magazine GQ A look back: He has bad memories of the 2022 Australian Open, and not only because of his deportation at the time. Djokovic claims that the food in the state-ordered deportation hotel "poisoned" him at the time.

When he returned to his Serbian homeland, he had "health problems." He felt "very ill" and underwent toxicology tests. "And I realized that I had eaten food in that hotel in Melbourne that was poisoning me."

Novak Djokovic with his new coach Andy Murray (l.). © APA/afp / DAVID GRAY

Djokovic made these statements publicly for the first time. Tests had shown "a very high level of heavy metals," said the 37-year-old. When asked whether he had ingested it through food, Djokovic replied: "That's the only possibility."

Djokovic: Was "no threat to anyone"

Three years ago, Djokovic's visa was declared invalid in court. After being placed in a deportation hotel, the tennis star was eventually deported and was not allowed to take part in the Australian Open. In the midst of the corona pandemic, the case of the Serb, who was not vaccinated against the virus, became a political issue. His original three-year entry ban was lifted.

As a professional athlete, he is "very careful about what I eat and I do regular tests, blood tests, all kinds of tests. I know exactly what's going on," said Djokovic. Therefore, he did not feel he had to get vaccinated against Corona. He knows that he was "no threat to anyone": "Because I wasn't. Because I had antibodies."