Novak Djokovic Overcomes Nishesh Basavareddy’s First-Set Challenge in Australian Open Thriller

In an exciting first-round match at the Australian Open, 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy gave Novak Djokovic a major scare.

The young American, with Indian heritage, won the first set 6-4, making the 37-year-old Serbian work hard for his victory. However, Djokovic showed his resilience and experience, ultimately coming back to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Djokovic Praises Basavareddy’s Performance

After his victory, Djokovic was full of praise for his opponent, acknowledging that the young American was the better player for a set and a half. “In the end, it was great. He was the better player for a set and a half. He deserves every bit of applause he got when exiting the court,” Djokovic said.

He also admitted that he had not been familiar with Basavareddy’s game just days before the match but was pleasantly surprised by the teenager’s skills.

“It was a good performance. To be really honest with you, I have never seen him play up to 2-3 days ago. I didn’t know much about him,” Djokovic added.

The 10-time Australian Open champion also spoke about the challenges of facing a young player with nothing to lose, acknowledging how tricky and dangerous such matchups can be.

Basavareddy’s Background and Rise in Tennis

Nishesh Basavareddy was born in Newport Beach, California, to parents from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. His family moved to the U.S. in 1999, and he grew up in Carmel, Indiana, where he began playing tennis at the age of eight.

Under the mentorship of fellow Indian-origin American Rajeev Ram, a six-time men’s doubles Grand Slam winner, Basavareddy developed his game and gained national recognition.

At just 19 years old, Basavareddy turned professional in December 2024 after a standout season in the ATP Challenger Tour.

His recent performances, including qualifying for the NextGen ATP Finals in Jeddah, and solid runs in Brisbane and Auckland, have shown that he has a promising future ahead.

His debut at the Australian Open was a significant milestone, especially given that he holds Djokovic as his idol, having modeled his game after the Serbian’s style.

Basavareddy’s Debut Against His Idol

Basavareddy’s first Grand Slam match was a memorable one. In front of a packed Rod Laver Arena, he initially looked to be in control of the match, using his strong backhand and baseline game to push Djokovic to his limits.

The teenager’s return strategies were impressive, with his movements across the court causing Djokovic to make uncharacteristic errors. Basavareddy’s aggressive approach paid off as he won the first set 6-4.

However, fatigue and cramping issues crept into Basavareddy’s game midway through the second set, which allowed Djokovic to seize control.

The Serbian began reducing his error count and upped his level, making it difficult for the young American to keep pace.

Despite his best efforts, Basavareddy ultimately succumbed to the physical toll of the match, and Djokovic took the next three sets to claim victory.

Djokovic’s Perspective on the Match

Djokovic reflected on the match and acknowledged the challenges of playing against a player like Basavareddy, who has a complete game and no pressure to lose.

“This kind of matchup is always tricky and dangerous,” Djokovic said. “You are playing somebody who has nothing to lose.”

Despite the final result, Djokovic expressed his admiration for the young player’s potential. “He’s a very complete player, pleasantly surprised me with all his shots, and the fighting spirit he showed,” Djokovic added.

Basavareddy’s Future in Tennis

Although Basavareddy lost in the first round of his Grand Slam debut, his performance was impressive and has garnered praise from many in the tennis world.

Djokovic himself wished Basavareddy all the best for his future career. “I wish him all the best for the rest of his career,” Djokovic said, offering encouragement to the young player.

Basavareddy’s strong performance against one of the greatest players in tennis history demonstrates that he has the potential to make a significant impact on the sport in the coming years.

His debut at the Australian Open and his recent success on the Challenger Tour show that he is a name to watch in the future.

A Bright Future for Nishesh Basavareddy

Despite his loss, Nishesh Basavareddy’s spirited performance against Novak Djokovic has marked the beginning of what could be a promising career.

His strong backhand, baseline play, and determination on the court impressed the tennis world, and Djokovic’s acknowledgment of his talent only adds to the anticipation surrounding his future.

With a solid foundation in place, Basavareddy is certainly a player to keep an eye on as he continues to develop and compete at the highest levels of tennis.