Craig Tiley has given short shrift to recent reports suggesting Novak Djokovic intends to sue the organisers behind his favourite Grand Slam tournament.
After being deported from Australia for failing to meet entry requirements, reports emerged suggesting unvaccinated Djokovic plans to exact revenge by suing both the country's government and Tennis Australia.
But Tiley, who has served as chief executive of the latter group since 2013, has moved to dismiss that notion and minimise any tensions between his organisation and the aggrieved world No. 1.
It's understood Djokovic, 34, was told by Tennis Australia and Victoria authorities that his positive Covid-19 test in December would suffice as a medical exemption.
However, the Australian government remained firm in its stance that all Australian Open participants must be fully vaccinated and deported 'Nole' despite several appeals.
The Sun reported Djokovic will seek £3.2million in damages for "ill treatment," a figure that includes the £2.3m prize money he might have earned had he won the Open for a record-breaking fourth time in a row.
When asked whether Tennis Australia was being sued by the nine-time Melbourne champion, Tiley told ABC TV: “No.
"I mean there is going to be lots of reports on different things but we are in a position where we are focused on delivering an event right now and we will continue to deliver a great event.”
After returning to his native Serbia earlier this month, Djokovic said in a statement that he was "extremely disappointed" with the verdict, adding his priority was to take "some time to rest and recuperate."
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Having had his visa revoked for a second time, it's believed Djokovic may not be permitted to return to Australia for three years, although Tiley was confident that won't be the case.
The incumbent world No. 1 has won more Australian Opens than any other player, and when asked if Djokovic would return next year, Tiley responded: “Yes.
"Obviously, I think he’s got to play out this year, but that will be his intention. At the end of the day, he’s the No. 1 player in the world and he loves the Australian Open.”
That relationship is sure to have been strained by this month's developments, regardless of Djokovic's imperious record at the tournament, but perhaps not so much that he will miss future chances to compete.
The veteran is just one away from collecting a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam, and he's won more medals in Melbourne than he has any other two majors combined.
In his absence, second seed Daniil Medvedev —who beat Djokovic to lift last year's U.S. Open —has impressed and is on course to challenge for his second major title.
Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas are each also among the most fancied favourites since Djokovic's removal from the draw, with little certainty as to when the rankings leader will return to action.
