The stand-off between Novak Djokovic and the Australian government might not be over just yet, with the world number one reportedly planning to wage a multi-million dollar lawsuit.
Djokovic, who was deported from the country and forced out of the Australian Open in his infamous visa saga, is now weighing up whether to sue for mistreatment, for a figure thought to be in excess of $6 million, according to a report from UK newspaper The Sun.
A source close to the Serbian’s agent Edoardo Artaldi said the squalid conditions of Djokovic’s detainment in the Park Hotel, which was ‘full of fleas and maggots’, is behind the desire to take on the government once again.
“It’s well known that Novak and his family feel he was poorly treated in the quarantine hotel in Melbourne,” the source said.
“His mother revealed how it was full of fleas and maggots. He was kept a virtual prisoner.”
The reported figure is substantially more than Djokovic would have taken home had he won a record tenth Australian Open title, with the prize money sitting at $2.875 million for the 2022 tournament.
The 20-time grand slam champion returned to Serbia during the week.
The news comes as Djokovic looks set to endure further difficulties at the world’s most prestigious tennis events in 2022, should he continue to refuse the COVID-19 vaccination or reveal his vaccination status.
The French health ministry have announced vaccine passes will be mandatory for all players at this year’s Roland Garros, which starts in May. He could also be forced to miss the US Open should the country’s mandate that all overseas visitors provide proof of vaccination remain in place.
On Thursday, Justice James Allsop confirmed Djokovic’s deportation was on the grounds that his presence in Australia would incite anti-vax sentiment.
“An iconic world tennis star may influence people of all ages, young or old, but perhaps especially the young and the impressionable, to emulate him,” a document published online reads.
“This is not fanciful; it does not need evidence. It is the recognition of human behaviour from a modest familiarity with human experience.
“Even if Mr Djokovic did not win the Australian Open, the capacity of his presence in Australia playing tennis to encourage those who would emulate or wish to be like him is a rational foundation for the view that he might foster anti-vaccination sentiment.”
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Mine did. Although they didn't defend. They usually joined in. Not that I'm bitter. He might sue, and even if he does he will still come back next year and have a crack at another grand slam. His mum will forgive Australia, say what "warm and friendly people" we are and all will be forgiven. Awwwww.
Pistol Pete
Guest
Novax don't come back to Australia if your family is trying to compensate your lost earnings get vaxed or stay back in Sebia and if your looking at seeing better talk to your saffie mate tilley.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
& he had free food
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
if you could sue Governments then pretty sure every coutry would be suing the Chinese Govt for covid.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
he'd need it cuz the $40 mill he makes from sponsors would be flushed down the dunny.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Ball Burster
Roar Rookie
It's possible that ND is putting the frighteners onto TA.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Good, good - I have just become aware of this threat by the deceitful urger and for some reason assumed it might have legs. I immediately came here to see if the blokes with a considered view were on the job - your good self, Paulo and Nat up above - and I find you are all unperturbed. I feel better already! :stoked: :silly:
matth
Roar Guru
Well that would be an interesting case, given he was deported based on a decision of the full bench of the Federal Court.
Son of Coco
Guest
Question, When you were growing up, did you hear your parents consistently having to defend you as "special" to others?
Eureka
Guest
Silencing a person doesn’t mean what they are saying isn’t true. It means that you are scared of what they have to say. Let’s silence anyone that disagrees with us. Who in the world is silly enough to believe that debate, open enquiry and free speech can solve anything?
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Yes, there complaints about that and not adjusting the service clock to account for the extra time they needed. Novak also famously insisted (last Open I think), that the top players shouldn’t have to isolate with the average tennis rabble, they should get to isolate in South Aus (I think) in mansions that had tennis courts - as that was only fair.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
He won’t sue, this is noise and smoke. It keeps his ‘plight’ in the news and helps reduce the current Aus Open from overshadowing his deportation- which for some is the big news. Out of curiosity, let’s say the hotel was as bad as he says. Has he said one thing about the detainees who have been there almost a decade? He doesn’t have of course, but if he wanted to repair his public image, it’s the first thing I would do. And because it’s completely unacceptable and inhumane.
JGK
Roar Guru
He’s got no chance. Even trying it would mean that he never comes to Australia again.
Big Fat Dummy
Guest
I'm surprised by this. Looks a particularly daft decision if true. The government have the power to keep him out of the country for 3 years, something I thought unlikely previously. But now......
Curmudgeon1961
Roar Rookie
As I remember and I am old didn't players kick up a tanty when they had to manage their own towels post Covid?
Curmudgeon1961
Roar Rookie
Maggots. 50 bullets to the chest. Really? Waiting for a grown up in the Press to say come on to his family
Son of Coco
Guest
I stayed a couple of times when it was run by Rydges...10 years ago I guess. A fairly serviceable place, no more no less. I needed to be in some meetings at UniMelb & RMIT so I picked it for convenience. I remember the rooms being quite large though.
Malo
Guest
Barr him
Nat
Roar Guru
No need. Just sue every country that doesn't let you play. $6m x 4 Opens and a few internationals is a good living without raising a sweat.