Novak Djokovic Is 'In Talks' To Sue The Australian Government For $6 Million
The Serbian tennis star will reportedly say he was subjected to 'ill treatment' while Down Under.
Novak Djokovic is reportedly planning to sue the Australian government on grounds of 'ill treatment' after he was deported from the country for not being vaccinated against Covid-19.
According to The Sun, the world No.1 male tennis player has reached out to a lawyer after touching down in Serbia and plans on launching the lawsuit.
A source close to Djokovic's agent Edoardo Artladi told the UK newspaper: "It's well known that Novak and his family feel he was poorly treated in the quarantine hotel in Melbourne.
"His mother revealed how it was full of fleas and maggots. He was kept a virtual prisoner."
The case is said to be worth upwards of $6 million.
The Serbian tennis player made headlines across the world after having his visa cancelled in Australia ahead of him playing in the Grand Slam.
That decision was overturned by a court in Melbourne before Immigration Minister Alex Hawke re-cancelled it a week later.
It was upheld by the Federal Court of Australia and Djokovic was sent packing. His short time in Australia divided the nation on whether he should be allowed to play.
His deportation means won't be able to defend his Australian Open crown and fulfil his hope of clinching a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
A lawyer believes Djokovic could have grounds to sue, with Toma Fila saying he was 'subjected to humiliating treatment'.
Immigration Law expert Maggie Taaffe told the Herald Sun that Djokovic would have to make sure his lawsuit was air-tight.
"It's possible he could certainly make a claim for compensation for being detained unlawfully because that was what the decision ultimately came to - the decision was procedurally unfair, it was unlawful," she said.
While the Serbian star couldn't defend his Australian Open title, the next Grand Slam on his calendar could be in doubt.
France ruled earlier this week that all players will have to be vaccinated for the coronavirus if they want to play at Rolland Garros and there won't be any medical exemptions handed out.
On top of that, Djokovic's chances of defending his Wimbledon title appear to be dwindling by the day as well. .
According to reports in The Telegraph, Wimbledon officials are yet to offer the 34-year-old any assurances on whether he can compete as an unvaccinated player.
By the looks of things, sporting bodies are standing firm on their jab mandates with exemptions for unvaccinated athletes not being taken lightly.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Novak Djokovic, Australia
Max Sherry