Asked about the controversy, Mr Johnson said on Thursday: “It’s a matter for Australia and their friendly government.

“That’s a matter for them but clearly I share very strongly their view of the Australian authorities that it’s a very good idea to get vaccinated.”

Plea to get Covid vaccine

His response came as Downing Street called for professional sportsmen to get vaccinated.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman declined to comment on specific cases but reissued a call for everyone to get Covid jabs.

Asked about concerns sportsmen are not getting vaccines, the spokesman said: “We absolutely think that everyone should get vaccinated and get boosted, regardless of profession.”

Pushed further on the developments in Mr Djokovic’s case, the spokesman declined to comment directly on the incident but noted UK government scientists have addressed concerns from professional sportsmen.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We do absolutely want to see everyone get vaccinated.

“We know from a raft of evidence that it is completely safe regardless of your profession and that everyone should come forward, both to benefit themselves and to benefit others.”

Dijana Djokovic, Mr Djokovic’s mother, said her son had been subject to a “political attack”.

“He is a scapegoat,” she added.