World No.1 Novak Djokovic is reportedly considering a $6 million lawsuit against the Australian Government over "ill treatment" duing this month's COVID-19 deportation saga.
The reigning Australian Open singles champion arrived at Melbourne seeking a record 21st Grand Slam crown and holding a medical exemption he believed excused him from Victoria state requirements to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
But after a week of detainment and legal battles, Djokovic's visa was overturned by Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke and his decision was upheld by Federal Court.
Hawke based his order on fears that Djokovic would incite anti-vaccination protests, if he was allowed to flaunt strict protocols in a city that had spent months in lockdown.
The incident sparked international discord, especially in his native Serbia, where leaders voiced their anger to Australian counterparts and Djokovic became an instant posterchild for the anti-vax movement.
According to sources close to Djokovic, the nine-time Aussie Open champion may take his cause back to court, as he tries to recupe lost prizemoney of up to $4.3 million.
"He was subjected to humiliating treatment," says Serbian lawyer Toma Fila, also a member of the Serbian National Assembly. "He should sue."
Djokovic's London-based lawyers refused to comment to news.com.au, but a source close to agent Edoardo Artladi says: "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."
'It does not need evidence'
Meanwhile, the Federal Court has released its reasons for Djokovic's deportation, upholding the Minister's claim that he may be a risk to the community.
The Court also rejected the argument there was no evidence that Djokovic had ever urged anyone not to get vaccinated, saying the public could perceive he was opposed to vaccinations, since he had not been vaccinated.
"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," the judges say. "This is not fanciful - it does not need evidence."
The Federal Court says, while another Minister might have decided not to cancel the visa, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke had followed the right steps under the law that allows him to cancel a visa, as long as he is satisfed the visa holder "may be a risk to the health or good order of the Australian community".
"The Minister reached that state of satisfaction on grounds that cannot be said to be irrational or illogical or not based on relevant material," Chief Justice James Allsop, and judges Anthony Besanko and David O'Callaghan say.
The Serbian now risks missing the next tennis Grand Slam event - the French Open - with the country's Sports Ministry saying there will be no exemption from a new vaccine-pass law.
Newshub/Reuters
