Nick Kyrgios backs Novak Djokovic's 'poisoning' claims ahead of Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios has reaffirmed his support for Novak Djokovic following the 24-time Grand Slam champion's recent allegations that he was "poisoned" during his hotel quarantine in Australia.

In Short

• Djokovic claims he was poisoned during 2022 Australia detention
• Kyrgios backs Djokovic's allegations, regrets 2022 treatment
• Australian authorities haven't responded to Djokovic's claims

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has backed Novak Djokovic amid the Serb's shocking claim that he was "poisoned" during his detention in Australia three years ago. Djokovic's allegations, revealed in a recent interview with GQ, have reignited conversations around his controversial deportation ahead of the 2022 Australian Open.

Djokovic alleged that tests conducted upon his return to Serbia in 2022 revealed alarmingly high levels of lead and mercury in his body. He attributed this to the food provided during his five-day detention in a Melbourne immigration facility after his visa was cancelled over his unvaccinated status.

"I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me," Djokovic stated. "I never told this to anybody publicly... but I had really high levels of heavy metals—lead and mercury."

Australian authorities are yet to respond to the claims. Kyrgios, known for his candor and for standing by Djokovic during the 2022 deportation saga, addressed the allegations during a press conference before the 2025 Australian Open. The Australian admitted he wasn’t aware of Djokovic’s claims but expressed regret over how the situation was handled.

"No, I haven’t spoken to him. I didn’t even know that," Kyrgios said. "But I’ll stand on... we treated him like s**t, that’s for sure. We wouldn’t have done that."

Kyrgios, 29, is preparing for his first-round clash at the 2025 Australian Open against British player Jacob Fearnley. Despite an injury-riddled season, including a wrist issue and an abdominal problem, Kyrgios has confirmed his participation in the tournament, marking a significant return after playing just one competitive singles match since June 2023.

"For me being back, it adds a bit of question marks to what is going to happen today. I love that," Kyrgios told reporters.

"Every time I step out on the court, I don't know if I'm going to be super controversial in a good or bad way.

"Throughout my career, it hasn't always been good but it's added a lot of excitement to the game. It's important. There's so many good players on the tour now. I think there's not so many contrasting personalities.

"I've always been someone that's played my brand of tennis, and I guess my personality, I haven't changed since I was 10-years-old.

"It's good to be back. I think the sport was getting a bit mundane."