‘Extremely Disappointed’: Novak Djokovic Considers Suing Australian Government for ‘Ill-Treatment’

Novak Djokovic and his visa saga just keeps on giving. After the two-week-long debacle in Australia, recent reports suggest that the World No. one could sue the Australian Government for “ill-treatment”.

After the star’s deportation following a frenzied visa battle, reports indicate that the damages claim would be over $4 million. This includes the prize money he could have won if allowed to defend his title at the Australian Open 2022.

Djokovic’s prolonged visa battle

World No. 1 had a harrowing couple of weeks in Australia. After he landed in Melbourne, immigration officers revoked his visa at the Airport on January 6. The authorities at the border detained him at a detention facility, away from his team. A close source to Novak’s agent said, “his mother revealed how it was full of fleas and maggots. He was kept a virtual prisoner.”

While he was in Australia, a judge reinstated his visa, allowing him to move out of the detention facility. But, Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke revoked his visa once again, on “health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.”

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“It’s well known that Novak and his family feel he was poorly treated in the quarantine hotel in Melbourne,” the source close to his agent said. As reported by The Sun, Novak Djokovic is now talking to his legal team to sue for damages.

Novak Djokovic wants to rest and recover

Djokovic reached Belgrade via Dubai amidst massive support from his local fans. Several players have noted that Djokovic was just a victim of political games. Victoria Azarenka said, “it was a circus” while also making her pro-vaccination stance clear and Nick Kyrgios, known for his anti-Djokovic sentiments, tweeted his support for world No.1.

Djokovic said, “I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.” He also mentioned that needed to “rest and recover before making any further comments.”

READ MORE: ‘Bit of a Sad Epilogue’: Justine Henin Extends Her Support to Novak Djokovic

As a result of this fiasco, Djokovic could also face a 3-year ban from Australia as per the country’s rules. However, PM Scott Morrison hinted that these issues are examined on a case to case basis..

Meanwhile, his quest for a second French Open and record 21st Grand Slam could also be in question, as French authorities recently made it mandatory for players to be vaccinated, in order to take part.