Novak Djokovic warned he is running out of time to get vaccinated if he wants to play at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic will probably need to get vaccinated “this week” if he is to compete at next year’s Australian Open, according to doubles legend Todd Woodbridge.

After weeks of contradictory messages from government officials, Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley confirmed over the weekend that players, staff and fans will have to be vaccinated against the coronavirus in order to gain entry at Melbourne Park.

Spotlight falls on Novak Djokovic as Australian Open chief confirms vaccine requirement

When Djokovic was asked if he will play at next year’s season-opening Grand Slam on the back of the announcement, the world No 1 replied: “We’ll see.”

He added: “I haven’t been talking to them. I was just waiting to hear what the news is going to be. Now that I know, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Woodbridge, though, has warned that the 20-time Grand Slam winner will probably need get a shot soon if he is to not only play in the Australian Open, but the warm-up events as well.

“His team have been well aware of this,” he told WWOS radio.

“The Australian Open entry list closes six weeks in advance of the tournament, so that’s the 6th of December. But the reality is if he wants to play the ATP Cup and have preparations in Australia, he’s going to have to have had that jab probably this week.”