To some, Todd Woodbridge is the sharp-tongued, effortlessly charming host of Tipping Point Australia. To others, he’s a tennis legend whose name is etched in Grand Slam history. But behind his success lies a story far more emotional – and far more human – than most people realise.
Now 54, Todd sat down with Sarah Grynberg on the A Life Of Greatness podcast to finally peel back the curtain on the reality behind his so-called “charmed life.” What followed was a rare blend of heartbreak, resilience, and extraordinary triumph.
A Childhood Fueled by Tennis—and Survival
Born to hardworking parents Kevin and Barbara, Todd spent his childhood hanging around tennis courts, falling head-over-heels for the sport that would one day become his escape route. By 14, he had left home to train at the Australian Institute of Sport, determined to chase greatness.
That decision may have saved his life.
Growing up, Todd witnessed the devastating cycles of addiction in his family. His older brother Greg battled heroin addiction for years, a struggle Todd admits became a driving force:
“Watching what was happening at home was just this real driver… I knew I didn’t want to follow that path.”
Greg eventually recovered, only to pass away from health complications in 2017. Just a year later, Todd’s other brother, Warren, died of bone cancer and lung fibrosis. Both were only 58.
A Career Written in Tennis History
Despite the turmoil, Todd forged one of the most successful careers in doubles tennis. His partnership with Mark Woodforde – The Woodies – remains iconic, producing:
- 11 Grand Slam doubles titles
- Five consecutive Wimbledon titles
- Olympic gold in Atlanta (1996)
He later teamed with Jonas Bjorkman, adding another five majors before retiring in 2005 with a staggering 83 doubles titles.
Love at First Sight—and a Life Built Together
Todd met Natasha when he was 18 and she was 16, thanks to a cleverly arranged dinner by her sister, tennis star Nicole Provis. They’ve been inseparable since.
By their early 20s they were married, spending 38 weeks a year on the road. Todd credits Natasha as the quiet strength behind everything he achieved:
“I wouldn’t have had the success I’ve had without Tash.”
Today they’re proud parents to Zara, a rising golfer, and Beau, an emerging theatre star in London.
Loss, Love, and a Wake-Up Call
Todd has endured unimaginable loss—both brothers, and both parents in recent years. His mother Barbara, the woman who introduced him to tennis, passed away in 2023 after a long struggle with dementia.
Then, in 2022, Todd faced a terrifying health crisis of his own: a heart attack during a workout. Doctors found a 20% arterial blockage. No surgery was needed, but the scare changed how he sees life:
“A wake-up call,” he admits.
A New Stage: Reinventing Himself for Television
As tennis ended, Todd refused to slow down. He studied media, stepped into commentary, then took on hosting gigs—including an unexpected left-turn into entertainment TV.
When Tipping Point Australia called, even Todd wasn’t sure he had what it took. But he proved every doubter wrong, ultimately winning the 2025 Logie for Most Popular Presenter.
