Boris Becker has warned Novak Djokovic he faces a backlash from Australian Open crowds if he is given clearance to bid for a record 21st grand-slam title next week, and urged the Serbian to accept a vaccine to avoid similar issues in the future.

Djokovic’s participation in Melbourne is still in limbo as he awaits a verdict from Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke, who is considering whether to cancel his visa despite the Serbian’s court victory on Monday.

While Serbian fans celebrated outside the court-house on Monday, many Australians, who have endured months of hard lockdowns, remain angry at the current decision to allow the unvaccinated Djokovic to enter the country.

Becker, who coached Djokovic for three seasons from 2014 to 2016, told the BBC: “I’m sure there will be a couple of boos and whistles, but he’s used to that.

“He was always a street fighter who had to fight the odds and win over the crowd, and it was fascinating in last year’s US Open final when they finally embraced him.

“The crowd will be difficult with him but with each match he starts, he will win the crowd and they will embrace him again. But he is going to have a difficult first week.”

‘I’d advise him to take the vaccine… life will be easier for him’

Becker said the world No 1, who has twice caught Covid, would have an easier life if he accepted a vaccine.

“I’m sure the French Open and Wimbledon will be watching the Melbourne saga, and I’m sure they will have strict rules on who can play and who cannot play,” said Becker.

“It’s everybody’s choice, but life is more difficult if you don’t want to be vaccinated. Personally I’d advise him to be vaccinated eventually because life would be easier for him, but ultimately it’s his choice and we have to respect that.”

A number of players have expressed concerns over Djokovic’s potential exemption to compete in Australia, with Wimbledon quarter-finalist Marton Fucsovics the latest to speak out against his involvement.

“People’s health is paramount, and there are rules that were outlined months ago, namely that everyone should vaccinate themselves – and Djokovic didn’t,” Fucsovics told Hungarian outlet M4 Sport. “From this point of view, I don’t think he would have the right to be here.”

The Hungarian world No 38, who lost to Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon quarter-finals and in the Paris Masters in November, also said he was not alone in thinking it unfair that Djokovic could play in Melbourne despite not being vaccinated.

Kyrgios ’embarrassed’ by treatment of Djokovic

However, Australian Nick Kyrgios said he was “embarrassed” by the way Australia had treated Djokovic.

“I feel quite embarrassed as an Australian athlete that’s seen what this guy has done for us and the sport,” said Kyrgios, who pulled out of this week’s Sydney Tennis Classic after testing positive for Covid. “I just don’t think it’s right how we’re handling it.”

Former Australia cricketer Shane Warne also branded his country’s handling of the affair as a “shambles” but insisted it was their right to refuse entry.

Warne told the BBC: “It just seems an absolute, embarrassing mess. Novak is well entitled not to be jabbed or to be jabbed, but it is also Australia’s choice to not let him in or to let him in.

“I don’t know what’s actually going on here. It’s a shambles and a bit embarrassing.”