Novak Djokovic, tennis superstar, is said to be preparing legal action against Australia’s government for his deportation.
After a lengthy visa dispute lasting 11 days, the world number 1 was expelled from Australia on the eve the Australian Open.
Now back home in Serbia, the 20-time grand slam champion is reportedly in talks with lawyers about suing the Australian government for more than $6 million (£3.2million) for ‘ill treatment’, The Sun reported.
These claims were made by Tennis Australia, which denied paying Djokovic legal fees during his fight to remain in the country. It also said that 2GB radio stations are false and the allegations are not true.
Novak Djokovic (pictured), is considering his legal options following being deported to Australia
This is the estimated damage amount. Djokovic would have received the same prize money had he won his 10th Australian Open title at Melbourne.
According to The Sun, a source close to Novak said that Novak’s family felt he had been treated poorly in Melbourne’s quarantine hospital.
“His mother told him how the house was full fleas, and maggots. He was treated as a prisoner.
Toma Fila, a lawyer, added: “He was subjected t humiliating treatment. He should file a lawsuit.
Maggie Taaffe (AHWC Immigration Law Principal Lawyer) warned Djokovic that he might sue if he’s deported.
‘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 told Herald Sun.
Djokovic spent at least half his time in Melbourne’s immigration detention facility before being deported for the Visa and Vaccine Exemption saga.
Tennis Australia denies that it paid the legal bills for Novak Djokovic’s unsuccessful stay in Australia. Craig Tiley, the Tennis Australia chief (left), and Novak Djokovic (right).
Meanwhile, Tennis Australia has denied bombshell allegations it ‘paid for all legal fees’ for Djokovic during his fight to stay in Australia.
John Locco, a powerful Melbourne politician, made the claim in a podcast called You Cannot Be Serious.
2GB Breakfast Show Ben Fordham said on Thursday that he had been searching for answers from Tennis Australia about the claims.
“They answered us yesterday, but it was not clear so we asked again. Fordham replied.
They now claim that ‘all is false’. All untrue.’
“So we replied saying, “are you categorically saying Tennis Australia didn’t pay any legal fees Novak.”
“We are yet to hear from them, but they have indicated that they did not pick up the tab.
Novak Djokovic, pictured here with Jelena, could be sued over allegations of ill-treatment in Australia
After Alex Hawke, the Immigration Minister used his ministerial power to cancel Djokovic’s visa on Friday, three of Australia’s top judges had to be present to hear Djokovic’s matter.
While it’s unclear what costs they will incur, reports from his initial hearing after which the government was directed to pay suggested that the total cost could be $500,000.
It is possible that the Federal Court will explain its reasoning in support of Djokovic later Thursday.
It’s a bombshell that Novak Djokovic is being sued by Tennis Australia for paying his legal fees.
Daily Mail Australia by Brittany Chain
Tennis Australia is footing the bill for Novak Djokovic’s astronomical legal fees, multiple sources have claimed.
According to reports, the Australian Open organizers who receive millions in taxpayer money each year are willing to cover the legal costs of deported Serbian stars as part of an agreement that allows him to compete in Melbourne.
After an eleven-day legal battle over Djokovic’s exemption from the Covid vaccine, Djokovic was expelled by Australia on Sunday.
He contracted a team of top lawyers to assist him in his two court proceedings as he tried so hard to keep and defend the title.
Tennis Australia is not disputing the claim that it paid the fees. A source close to TA told Daily Mail Australia. John Locco of Melbourne, a powerful figure in Melbourne, also alleged the same thing on Sam Newman’s podcast You Cannot Be Serious.
This is in spite of reports that the organisation denied Renata Voracova from Czech tennis, having suffered similar visa issues and being deported.
Tennis Australia is reportedly paying the legal fees of Novak Djokovic in his recent dispute over visa issues. (pictured: Novak Djokovic practicing in Melbourne Park just before being kicked out).
Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia (pictured on Wednesday), was observed watching the single men’s match. This happened as reports about the taxpayer funded company surfaced.
After Alex Hawke, the Immigration Minister used his ministerial power to cancel Djokovic’s visa on Friday evening, three of Australia’s top judges had to be present to hear Djokovic’s matter.
While it’s unclear what costs they will incur, reports from his initial hearing after which the government was directed to pay suggested that the total cost could be $500,000.
This case would have resulted in a loss for taxpayers. If the government was ordered to pay, they would also have to foot the bill.
Justin Quill (partner at Thomson Geer Lawyers) quickly tallied the costs before the last appeal and estimated the total cost to government. He found that it had already reached close to half of a million dollars.
Novak will pay the legal fees with a payment of a few hundred thousand dollars. The number of appeals is not appealing, but we are getting near half a million.
Djokovic must cover the costs so there is no reason why it shouldn’t be as much, if not higher.
According to a source, all earnings and profits made by Tennis Australia are to go back into the community and the sport.
Source said that Novak is not paying the legal fees. Tennis Australia was responsible for this.
They receive government funding to support the event [Australian Open]The tax payer is ultimately responsible for paying his legal costs, regardless of whether he wins.
Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia Craig Djokovic appear to be in a professional relationship with many photos taken together that date back nearly a decade.
After failing to make a final attempt to remain and compete after more than one week of visa dramas, Djokovic was told to leave Australia Sunday night.
Djokovic was spotted at Melbourne Airport under Australian Federal Police escort at 8.30pm on Sunday having left his detention hotel without detection ahead of a flight to Dubai with Emirates at 10.30pm
After leaving his Detention Hotel without detection, the judge made the unanimous decision to have him spotted at Melbourne Airport at 8.30pm.
Djokovic walked through busy airport wearing a mask and accompanied by his team. He held his head high while he passed confused members of the public.
Minutes after the decision was made, Djokovic issued a statement, in which he expressed his dismay at the result, and vowed to not compete in the Grand Slam he loves.
He stated, “I accept the Court’s decision and will cooperate with relevant authorities in regard to my departure form the country.”
Djokovic stated that he is ‘uncomfortable’ with all the attention and questions he received from the Visa saga. He wants to focus on what he loves (pictured in London with his wife).
“I feel uncomfortable because the last weeks have been focused on me. I wish that everyone can now concentrate on the tournament and game I love. The tournament will be a success and I wish all players, officials, staff, volunteers, spectators, and supporters the very best.
He thanked his family, friends, fans and fellow Serbians for their unwavering support throughout his legal proceedings.
Tennis Australia issued a statement earlier in the week expressing regret for the recent distractions. It did not mention Djokovic.
“As Australian tennis families, we recognize that recent events were a major distraction for all of us, and we deep regret the effect this has had on everyone,” the statement said.
‘There are always lessons to learn, and we will review all aspects of our preparation and implementation to inform our planning – as we do every year. This process begins once the Australian Open champions are crowned.
“Australia is proud of its tennis heritage, so it was wonderful to witness the fans cheer for world-class players during the build up and the first days at the Australian Open.
“We want the attention to be on the sport we love, just like all the tennis players and fans around the globe.