Novak Djokovic maintains strange air of mystery about shocking 'poison' accusation

On Thursday, Novak Djokovic made a shocking accusation against Australia about being fed 'poisoned' food. 24 hours later, things have gotten only more mysterious, with the Serb refusing to expand on the comment.

In an interview with GQ Sports, Djokovic spoke about his deportation saga during the 2020 Australian Open. In that, the former World No. 1 made a passing remark that has sent shock waves across the tennis world.

"I had some health issues. And I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne I was fed with some food that poisoned me," he had said.

On Friday, the World No. 7 met with reporters at his pre-tournament press conference at the 2025 Australian Open. Hoping to get more information from him on the subject, one journalist probed him, only to be brutally shot down by the 38-year-old.

Djokovic urged fans to wait until the print version of the full interview comes out in February. Until then, he made clear that he did not want to talk about the issue and insisted he wanted to focus on the tennis in Melbourne instead.

"Look, the GQ article came out online yesterday. I think it's a February issue, so it's coming out in print version," Djokovic said.

"I've done that interview many months ago. I would appreciate not talking more in detail about that, as I would like to focus on the tennis and why I'm here. If you want to see what I've said and get more info on that, you can always revert to the article," he added.

Novak Djokovic shares his best Australian Open memory

2025 Australian Open Previews - Source: Getty

At the press conference, however, Novak Djokovic answered several other questions, including sharing his favorite Australian Open memory. The Serb picked the moment he won his first title in 2008 as the first, followed by his 2023 title run.

"I guess the first time is always the most special one. Winning 2008, my first slam here, overall first slam in my career and first slam here in Australia. Then probably the last slam I won here in '23, yeah," Djokovic said.

"I mean, each win is special and unique in its own way. So it's kind of hard for me to pick. But if I have to, it's probably the first and the last one," he added.

In 2025, the Serb is slated to start his Australian Open campaign against the US' Nishesh Basavareddy.