Novak Djokovic told he is an Australian Open ‘underdog’ as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz spark disbelief

Tennis icon Novak Djokovic, despite his illustrious career and record ten Australian Open titles, has been described as an “underdog” heading into the 2025 Australian Open. Todd Woodbridge, a former Grand Slam doubles champion, remarked that Djokovic, now 37, is entering an “unusual phase” of his career.

Djokovic’s reduced tournament schedule, which focuses on major events, coupled with the fact that he did not win any Grand Slam titles in 2024, has led Woodbridge to believe that younger players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz may have an advantage over him. However, Woodbridge noted that Djokovic may thrive under this underdog status, bringing a sense of freedom to his game.

In 2024, Sinner and Alcaraz dominated the Grand Slam scene, splitting the four majors between them. Sinner claimed victories at the Australian Open and US Open, while Alcaraz triumphed at the French Open and Wimbledon. Their intense rivalry, according to Woodbridge, is reminiscent of the iconic matchups between Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.

Woodbridge expressed awe at the level of play Sinner and Alcaraz produce, likening their matches to the extraordinary battles seen in tennis’s golden era. As Djokovic navigates this new phase, the tennis world is eager to see if the Serbian legend can rise once again to challenge the next generation.