Novak Djokovic will receive US $650,000 after winning a legal court battle against the State of Rio de Janeiro for breach of contract, according to GlobeSports.
The decision was made at the 14th Public Finance Court in Rio de Janeiro by the Rio de Janeiro State Court of Justice, it was recognised by the Attorney General’s Office and no appeal was issued.
In 2012 Rio de Janeiro state government invited Djokovic for a series of events such as court inaugurations, an exhibition match against home favourite Gustavo Kuerten in Maracanãzinho as well as a celebrity football match.
Novak attended these events and was scheduled to receive $ 1.1 million divided into three instalments but only two payments totalling $450,000 were made.
The court issued this statement, ‘In view of the above, THE MONITORAL REQUEST PROCEEDS, constituting, in full right, the judicial enforcement order, in the amount of R $ 2,993,556.05 (two million, nine hundred and ninety-three thousand, five hundred and fifty-six reais and five cents), plus monetary restatement as of the update promoted in pdf 736, and interest on arrears from the summons.’
Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic is seeded 2 at the Australian Open in Melbourne this week. He will be looking to win his 17th Grand Slam title and edge closer to Roger Federer’s current record which stands at 20 Grand Slams.
Novak finds himself in the same side of the draw as Federer so may have to defeat him in the semi-finals to set up a possible clash with Rafael Nadal in the finals should the draw play out as expected by the seedings.
Djokovic has experienced asthmatic issues in the past, could the current air quality in Australia derail him winning the title this year?
