“It’s something I’ve never experienced before”: Todd Woodbridge celebrates a major milestone — and reflects on the unexpected turn his career has taken
For decades, Todd Woodbridge was known across Australia as one half of the legendary “Woodies” — the tennis champion whose career was defined by grand slam titles and an extraordinary run on the court.
Now, another chapter is taking shape.
As Tipping Point Australia celebrates its 500th episode, Woodbridge is reflecting on a career milestone that has brought him a kind of recognition he never expected.
A milestone worth celebrating
The television host marked the occasion with the Tipping Point Australia team, sharing a video from the celebrations on Instagram.
“Well done everyone, happy 500th,” Woodbridge told the crew as they applauded.
A large cake was brought out for the occasion, decorated with silver counters and jackpot-style details — a fitting tribute to the game show’s milestone.
But for Woodbridge, the significance of reaching 500 episodes goes beyond the number.
It represents how far his second career in television has come.
“It’s something I’ve never experienced before”
Speaking to nine.com.au ahead of the celebrations, Woodbridge said the response from Tipping Point viewers had grown noticeably, particularly over the previous six months.
He has increasingly found people approaching him in public to tell him how much they enjoy the program.
“People will just randomly come up and say they love the show, or that it’s their 5 o’clock show,” he said.
The reaction, he admitted, has been both surprising and rewarding.
“It’s really warm and energising, to put it in a way, and it’s something I’ve never experienced before.”
No longer just “the guy who played tennis”
Perhaps the clearest sign of the change has been the way younger viewers now recognise him.
Woodbridge said some young fans are beginning to know him as “the Tipping Point guy”, rather than simply the former tennis player.
For someone whose sporting career made him a household name, that shift might seem unexpected.
But Woodbridge is embracing it.
“When I look back on it, you realise, it’s not an easy thing to do, to have a career and then be into something people see as significantly different,” he said.
That transition from elite sport to television has become one of the most interesting chapters of his professional life.
From tennis champion to Gold Logie nominee
The recognition has now extended well beyond Tipping Point.
Woodbridge is nominated for the 2026 Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality, following his first-ever Logie win.
It marks another significant moment for someone who spent much of his career being recognised for what he achieved on a tennis court.
This time, the recognition is for the connection he has built with audiences through television.
“I’m not going to allow that to happen”
With Season 4 of Tipping Point Australia ahead, Woodbridge has no intention of simply coasting on the show’s success.
He said he plans to work “twice as hard” to make sure the program maintains what has made it popular.
And despite the demands of producing a long-running daily show, he insists the enjoyment has not disappeared.
“I don’t know if every other show has as much of a good time as we do while you’re working,” he said.
He acknowledged that television environments can sometimes become tired or stale over time.
But that is something he intends to prevent.
“I’m not going to allow that to happen.”