Novak set to sue Australia for big bucks
Following Novak Djokovic’s deportation from Australia, it seemed that his fight to stay in the country had come to an end.
But the fight may be renewed as the tennis star contemplates suing the Australian government for $6 million over his failed attempt to reinstate his visa, according to a UK report.
The 34-year-old was deported to Serbia after he entered the country while unvaccinated, with hopes he would be able to play in the Australian Open’s opening round on Monday.
Djokovic now faces a potential three-year-ban if he does re-enter the country, and has been ordered to pay the federal government’s legal costs.
However, the UK Sun has reported that Djokovic may be considering legal action against the government for “ill-treatment”.
The publication said the $6 million figure he may be suing for would include the Australian Open prize money he expected to earn if he had won.
The potential development in the Djokovic saga comes as the reasons why a three-judge panel of the Federal Court unanimously ruled against reinstating the Serb’s visa are due to be published by Chief Justice James Allsop at 4.15 pm on Thursday afternoon.
Following the Federal Court’s decision on Sunday night, Djokovic said in a statement that he was extremely disappointed but respected the ruling.
“I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country,” he said.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said Djokovic’s presence in Australia was a public health risk, as it could excite anti-vaccination sentiment.
Chief Justice Allsop also noted the international interest in Djokovic’s case, including in his home country of Serbia, before he delivered the ruling on Sunday evening.
He explained that the decision focused on whether the government’s decision to cancel Djokovic’s visa initially was irrational or unlawful in any way, and that it was not an appeal against the government’s decision.
“It is not part of the function of the court to decide upon the merits or wisdom of the decision,” Chief Justice Allsop said.
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