MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic has expressed his reluctance to revisit a recent GQ magazine interview, where he touched upon his experience of having elevated levels of heavy metals in his bloodstream, attributed to the food he consumed while being detained prior to his deportation from Australia in 2022.

“I would prefer not to go into further detail about that, as my focus is on tennis and the purpose of my visit here,” Djokovic stated in a press briefing ahead of the Australian Open, which commences on Sunday (Saturday EST).

He added, “If you wish to find out more, you can always refer back to the article,” referencing the interview that was published online recently.

The 37-year-old tennis star is collaborating with fellow player Andy Murray in his coaching role during this tournament, as he aims to achieve a historic milestone as the first player to secure 25 Grand Slam singles titles.

The GQ article, which covered multiple subjects, included Djokovic’s reflections on his past in relation to the COVID-19 vaccination and the events leading up to his ejection from Australia. “I encountered some health problems. I came to understand that while in a hotel in Melbourne, I was served food that was harmful to my health,” he revealed. “Upon my return to Serbia, I made some alarming discoveries. I had never disclosed this publicly before, but … I was found to have significantly high levels of heavy metals. Specifically, elevated levels of lead and mercury.”

When questioned at the end of the news conference, Djokovic did not provide a concrete answer regarding whether he possessed any proof connecting the heavy metal levels he mentioned in the GQ article to his meals during his time in detention.