NOVAK Djokovic is the favourite to win back-to-back Australian Open titles with one punter dropping $130,000 on the world no. 1 to salute in Melbourne.

Betting agency Tabcorp accepted the wager on the 2015 champion on Sunday at odds of $1.65 after Djokovic defeated 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the Qatar Open final on Sunday.

The bet is the biggest Tabcorp have taken on the tournament, set to get underway on January 18, so far.

If Djokovic claims his sixth Australian Open crown, the punter will collect $214, 500.

“Even before this big bet Djokovic has been extremely popular with punters, with almost 90% of all money going on him,” TAB’s Shaun Anderson told the Herald Sun.

“This is the bigger than any bet we took last year on the Open and it came only minutes after he beat Nadal in Qatar, so the punter obviously liked what they saw.”

In a masterful performance and an ominous warning from the Serbian ahead of the year’s opening Grand Slam, Djokovic defeated Nadal in straight sets, 6-1 6-2, to claim his 60th career title.

The world no. 1 is just the 10th player to claim 60 career titles on the ATP World Tour in the Open era.

Nadal, who hopes to get back to his best form this year after chronic knee injuries, had high praise for Djokovic’s performance after the loss.

“I played against a player who did everything perfect. I know nobody playing tennis like this ever. Since I know this sport, I never saw somebody playing at this level,” Nadal said.

“When I say perfect, it’s not one thing in particular. It’s everything. If not, it’s not perfect.”

Djokovic didn’t deny he felt as good as he ever has out on the court, agreeing with Nadal’s assessment

media_camera Novak Djokovic in action at the Qatar Open. Picture: AP

“It did feel as close to perfection as it could get,” he said.

“From the first to last point I managed to impose my own tactical strategy. I came out on the court with the right intention, right intensity, and with a great deal of confidence I carried from the last season.

Victoria Azarenka’s victory at the Brisbane International has seen her continue to firm for her third Australian Open title.

The Belarusian defeated Germany’s Angelique Kerber 6-3 6-1 in the final on Saturday night in an impressive display from the former world no. 1.

Azarenka, who claimed back-to-back Australian Open crowns in 2012 and 2013, is second favourite to win the women’s title at $5.

Last year’s champion and current world no. 1 Serena Williams remains favourite but continues to drift after pulling out of the Hopman Cup with knee inflammation.

Williams, who is chasing a record 22nd major, is $3.50.

“Punters have deserted Williams since her injury scare with Azarenka now the best backed in the women’s draw,” Anderson said.

“She has firmed in from $7.50 to $5.00 and while Williams will start as the favourite Azarenka’s form is attracting plenty of interest.”