The 2022 Australian Open will forever be remembered for the off-court drama surrounding Novak Djokovic, who was deported for refusing to comply with Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. His detention at the Park Hotel in Melbourne sparked global debate and strained his relationship with Australian authorities. Almost three years later, Djokovic revisited that period, sharing his trauma and some startling allegations, while Nick Kyrgios weighed in with his characteristic candor.
Djokovic’s Shocking Claims
In a recent interview with GQ, Djokovic revealed that his detention left lingering scars.
> “I have (some trauma), to be quite frank. The last couple of times that I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration—I had a bit of trauma from three years ago.”
The Serbian icon also made startling claims about his stay at the detention facility, alleging that the food he consumed might have been poisoned.
> “I had some health issues. I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed some food that poisoned me… I discovered that I had a really high level of heavy metals—lead and mercury—when I returned to Serbia.”
While Djokovic stopped short of directly accusing the Australian authorities, his statements have reignited debates about his treatment.
Nick Kyrgios Defends Djokovic
Nick Kyrgios, who has experienced his own share of controversies, has been one of Djokovic’s most outspoken supporters since the 2022 debacle. When asked about Djokovic’s recent claims, Kyrgios, speaking during the 2025 Australian Open, criticized the handling of the situation.
> “I haven’t spoken to him. I didn’t even know that. I’ll stand on… We treated him like sh-t, that’s for sure. We shouldn’t have done that.”
Kyrgios has consistently defended Djokovic, even during the height of the controversy, and their bond has grown stronger as a result.
The Evolution of a Friendship
Kyrgios and Djokovic’s relationship wasn’t always amicable. In 2019, Kyrgios famously ridiculed Djokovic, describing his celebrations as “cringeworthy” and accusing him of having a “sick obsession with being liked.” However, the tide shifted in 2022 when Kyrgios publicly stood up for Djokovic, criticizing the Australian government’s handling of the case.
Djokovic has since expressed gratitude for Kyrgios’ support:
> “You were one of the very few colleagues on the tour to use his platform, use his voice, to support me… and that is something I will never forget.”
Their camaraderie was further cemented during their doubles appearance at the 2025 Brisbane International, where fans witnessed their chemistry both on and off the court.
The Larger Debate
Djokovic’s claims and Kyrgios’ defense highlight the polarizing nature of the 2022 saga. For some, Australia’s actions were necessary to uphold public health measures. For others, Djokovic’s treatment was unjust and excessive, reflecting broader debates about the balance between individual rights and public policy during the pandemic.
What’s your take? Did Australia go too far, or was their stance justified? Regardless, Djokovic’s revelations have added yet another layer to an already complex chapter in tennis history.