"He actually comes in as a bit of an underdog" - Tennis legend on Novak Djokovic's title chances at the 2025 Australian Open

Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic is no longer the favorite to lift the Australian Open title next season, and should be viewed more as an underdog at the event, according to tennis legend Todd Woodbridge.

The Serbian superstar was unable to win a Grand Slam title this season, with 2024 being the first time he has failed to win a Major since the 2017 season. Djokovic won his only title of the season to date at the Paris Olympics in August, where he defeated Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final.

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Lack of match play could play a role in Djokovic's title hopes, says Woodbridge

Although the 24-time Grand Slam champion has won 10 Australian Open titles during his distinguished career, his last came at the 2023 event. Furthermore, his last Major title came at the 2023 US Open. Having decided to focus more on Grand Slam titles during the final phase of his career, Djokovic's schedule could benefit him in the long run, according to Woodbridge.

"He’s coming into a very different and unusual phase of his career because the way he’s chosen to not play as many tournaments, his focus is on the majors,” the Australian legend told the The AO Show podcast. “He actually comes in as a bit of an underdog in all of these players we’re talking about [as title contenders] because of that, and he didn’t win a major this year. I think it’s probably going to bring him freedom in the way that he approaches it, and he’ll enjoy that.”

The 37-year old was a semi-finalist at this year's Australian Open, a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros (where he withdrew through injury), a runner-up at Wimbledon, and suffered a third round exit at the US Open.