Novak Djokovic says he wants to "focus on tennis" after claiming in a magazine interview he had been "poisoned" when detained in a Melbourne hotel.

The 24-time grand slam champion was deported from Australia three years ago and claims his food was poisoned with lead and mercury

Novak Djokovic’s pre-tournament press conference in Melbourne ended in chaotic style, as he awkwardly batted away questions about his recent claim that he had been “poisoned” during his ill-fated visit here in 2022.

Novak Djokovic has claimed that he was ‘poisoned’ by the food that he consumed at a Melbourne hotel during his detention ahead of his deportation from Australia in 2022. The tennis star said his body had ‘high level of lead and mercury’ after eating at the hotel.

Novak Djokovic alleged in a lengthy GQ interview that he was “poisoned” by lead and mercury in his food while he was briefly held in Melbourne in 2022.

Novak Djokovic did not want to rehash — or even discuss at all, really — what he said Friday was a months-old interview with GQ magazine in which he recalled having high levels of metal in his blood from food he was served while detained before being deported from Australia in 2022 .

Novak Djokovic has been pleasantly surprised by the professionalism of new coach Andy Murray in the leadup to the Australian Open but said sharing his deepest thoughts with his former rival had initially been a challenge.

Novak Djokovic's former rival-turned-coach Andy Murray does not want the Serbian to suppress his emotions on court and is even willing to be the target of any angry outbursts as long as the 24-times major winner gives his all at the Australian Open.