An Australian academic, speaking to The Guardian,, external He said Djokovic's claim was a “wild accusation”.
“This is possible, but very unlikely given the time he spent in prison,” said Damian Maganja, a research fellow in food policy at the George Institute for Global Health.
“These meals were probably prepared in large quantities and there have been no other reports to my knowledge.”
Djokovic was sent to an immigration hotel where refugees and asylum seekers have long complained of poor conditions.
In December 2022, shortly before Djokovic arrived at the Park Hotel, detainees complained of finding worms in their food.
By the time Djokovic was sent there, the hotel had been approved and licensed by the City of Melbourne local authority as a food service premises. It has been audited and inspected by the city's Department of Health.
Detainees are said to have been given a variety of foods and beverages that were considered nutritious, culturally appropriate, and met any specific medical or dietary requirements.
Djokovic has long been known to follow a gluten- and dairy-free diet, while largely following a vegetarian diet – which he has regularly cited as a recipe for his success.
Fish and shellfish usually contain higher levels of mercury than other foods, according to the NHS., external
