Renata Voracova, the Czech doubles player deported from Australia on account of similar conditions to the Novak Djokovic saga, says she will pursue compensation from Tennis Australia.
Voracova was ordered out of Australia after her visa was cancelled by border officials on account of her medical exception being reviewed.
She was initially granted entry into Australia, and was already competing in a warmup tournament in Melbourne under the same provisions for a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination as the men’s world No.1.
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Speaking to Denik, a Czech Republic newspaper, Voracova said her compensation claim “won’t be small”.
“The air ticket alone cost 60,000 Czech crowns ($2780) and my coach travelled with me. And then there is all that time, hotels, training for the grand slam, the potential prizemoney.
“I hope Tennis Australia will face up to it and that we won’t have to take legal steps.
“I’m not thinking about tennis. I’m still waking up from the shock, I haven’t processed it yet. I’m exhausted.”
While encouraging its members to be vaccinated, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) pledged its support to assisting Voracova seek justice.
“The complications experienced over the past few days where athletes have followed the approved and authorised process of receiving a medical exemption for entry into the country are unfortunate,” the WTA said in a statement.
“Renata Voracova followed these rules and procedures, was cleared for entry upon her arrival, competed in an event and then suddenly had her visa cancelled when she had done nothing wrong.
“We will continue to work with all authorities on addressing this unfortunate situation in an appropriate manner.”
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