Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray faced each other 36 times throughout their tennis careers, mostly in finals and often at the business end of a grand slam. But at this year’s Australian Open, their decades-long rivalry has taken an unexpected turn.

Novak Djokovic has awkwardly refused to answer pre-tournament questions over his claim he was "poisoned" during his deportation saga at the 2022 Australian Open. The Serbian superstar made the allegation in a GQ magazine article published just before his latest attempt to win a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

The controversy surrounding Djokovic's detention not only prevented him from playing in the Australian Open but also the 2022 US Open because of vaccination requirements.