Novak Djokovic made some news before the start of the Australian Open which begins on Jan. 12. Djokovic alleged in a lengthy GQ interview published on Thursday that he was “poisoned” by lead and mercury in his food while he was briefly detained in Melbourne in 2022 before being deported on the eve of the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic has addressed allegations that he was poisoned before being barred from the Australian Open in 2022 due to his COVID-19 vaccination status. Three years ago, the tournament was overshadowed by questions surrounding the Serbian legend's participation.

Novak Djokovic has declined to address a past statement about getting sick in Australia in 2022. The 10-time Australian Open champion said at a news conference Friday that he didn't want to rehash what he describes as a months-old interview with GQ magazine in which he said he had high levels of metal in his blood from food he was served while detained before being deported from Melbourne three years ago.

Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest players in tennis history, has hinted at how he envisions his retirement, but the timeline for stepping away from the sport remains uncertain.

Check out the preview and other match details of the Novak Djokovic Vs Nishesh Basavareddy 1st Round match at the Australian Open 2025 here

Australian Open begins January 12 in Melbourne, and the draws for the men’s and women’s singles are intriguing — and have thrown up some blockbuster first-round matches. The Athletic’s tennis writers,

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic lead the men’s field at the 2025 Australian Open. MELBOURNE, Australia — Here are some of the top men at the Australian Open, which starts at Melbourne Park on Sunday morning local time (Saturday night EST), with money-line odds via BetMGM Sportsbook:

No. 7-ranked Novak Djokovic will take on No. 133 Nishesh Basavareddy in the Australian Open Round of 128 on Saturday, January 11.In his most recent outing, Djokovic lost to Alexei Popyrin 4-6,

Novak Djokovic and Nishesh Basavareddy share an interesting connection beyond being first round opponents at the 2025 Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic has revealed his father is putting pressure on him to retire from tennis as the 2025 Australian Open rapidly approaches. The Serb, who failed to win a major in 2024, will be hoping to secure glory Down Under - having previously done so on 10 occasions over the years.