Novak Djokovic is dominating the headlines in the run-up to the Australian Open. On the one hand he mingles with the journalists at the media conference, on the other he complains about the food.
10.01.2025, 11:16
10.01.2025, 11:18
SDA
It is not unheard of for tennis players to watch their rivals train. Djokovic even attended a press conference held by Alexander Zverev - and asked two unusual questions.
"We know that you love the universe, the planetary system. Can you tell us what excites you so much about space research?" asked Djokovic (37) from the back row in the largest interview room of the media center in Melbourne Park. The German, who is ten years younger, replied: "I try to understand the unknown."
But the Serb was not satisfied with that. "Do you think the answer to winning a Grand Slam lies in outer space?" he asked. "I think the answer to the question of how to win a Grand Slam tournament is that you let me win one," joked Zverev.
The two tennis players then embraced and Djokovic took to the press conference stage. Zverev makes his next attempt at his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Djokovic has already won the tournament in Melbourne ten times. With Andy Murray at his side as his new coach, the Serb is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam triumph.
Accusations against Australian authorities
Djokovic had already hit the headlines before his appearance at the media center. He claimed in "GQ" magazine that he had been poisoned in the deportation hotel in 2022 - coronavirus vaccination opponent Djokovic was deported shortly before the start of the tournament.
The food in the deportation hotel ordered by the state had "poisoned" him at the time. When he returned to his Serbian homeland, he had "health problems". He felt "very ill" and underwent toxicology tests. "And I realized that I had eaten food in that hotel in Melbourne that was poisoning me." Tests had revealed "a very high level of heavy metals", he said.
