Novak Djokovic is the popular pick among Australian tennis royalty to claim his fifth Australian Open title on Sunday night.

Legends of the local game – including Rod Laver, Tony Roche, Ken Rosewall and John Newcombe – gathered in Melbourne on the eve of the men’s final to honour the career of Neale Fraser.

A straw poll had the No.1 seed overcoming Andy Murray to land his 10th grand slam win – but only just.

“For me, it’s Djokovic to win – he’s playing some good tennis,” said Laver.

“He was a little bit up and down in the semi-final, but both of them were.

“My tell-tale sign will be if Murray’s second serve drops off a little bit. Djokovic’s return of serve is so much more powerful than the other players.”

Rosewall shares that opinion, but likes what he’s seen from the British sixth seed.

“I was impressed with Andy Murray’s form in the last couple of matches he played, but Djokovic is always a very strong competitor,” he said.

“I’d lean towards Djokovic, but Andy has improved his game in every aspect. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won, but I’d put my money on Djokovic.”

Newcombe is also tipping the world No.1 and believes the pair are capable of putting on a final for the ages.

“The stage is set for what should be a really quality four hours or so of tennis,” Newcombe said.

“I give the edge just slightly to Novak. The way he won that fifth set (6-0) in his semi (against Stand Wawrinka) it’s just hard to past him.”

Roche was the only dissenter, having changed his opinion after watching Murray’s impressive progress through the draw and his semi-final defeat of Tomas Berdych.

“After seeing both semis, I’d probably lean towards Murray,” said Roche, former coach to Roger Federer, Pat Rafter and Ivan Lendl.

“At the beginning of the tournament, Novak was the favoured player.

“But he didn’t seem to be himself in his semi. I’m not sure if has some issues, but I just like the way Andy’s been going through the tournament.”

Fraser, ever the statesman, was diplomatic when asked for a tip.

“I don’t want to upset either of them – I just hope it’s a great match and we see lots of tennis,” Fraser said.

“Djokovic seemed to make a lot of unforced errors, so he’s got to cut those out.

“If he doesn’t, then Murray is very consistent. It’s a matter of who plays best on the day – who turns up with their best game.”