While Novak Djokovic began his quest to win back the Australian Open title with a first-round victory on Monday, it was his opponent, 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy, who truly stole the spotlight with his fearless performance. Facing off against one of the game’s all-time greats, Basavareddy made a remarkable statement by taking the first set away from Djokovic, impressing both fans and commentators alike. It’s worth noting that Basavareddy has Djokovic’s photo as his WhatsApp profile picture and has long admired the Serbian star.
In a thrilling match that lasted nearly three hours, Basavareddy pushed Djokovic to his limits. The match kicked off Djokovic’s new chapter under the coaching of former rival Andy Murray. Although Djokovic ultimately won the match with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, this debut at a Grand Slam event showcased Basavareddy’s incredible talent and fighting spirit.
Nishesh Basavareddy: A Rising Star
Born in Newport Beach, California, in 2005 to Indian parents, Sai Prasanna and Muralikrishna Basavareddy, Nishesh boasts a rich cultural background. His family originally hails from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, India, and moved to the U.S. in 1999. After a stint in San Francisco, they eventually settled in Southern California and later moved to central Indiana for his father’s job.
Growing up with his older brother Nishanth, who also shares a love for tennis, Basavareddy was introduced to the sport by their father. Under the guidance of coach Bryan Smith, his talent blossomed, and he has also benefited from the mentorship of Rajeev Ram, a former doubles world champion from Indiana.
Climbing the Ranks
Basavareddy’s junior career has been impressive, reaching a top ranking of World No. 3. He won the boys’ doubles title at the 2022 Junior US Open with his partner Ozan Baris. However, his journey was not without hurdles. He overcame serious knee surgeries in 2016 and 2018, showcasing his resilience.
In 2024, he made great strides by winning two Challenger titles in Puerto Vallarta and Tiburon, while also finishing as a runner-up in four other tournaments. His consistent performance secured him a spot at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, where he celebrated his first tour-level victory against China’s Juncheng Shang.
Just before the Jeddah event, Basavareddy announced his decision to turn professional after making a significant impact at Stanford University, both academically and athletically. His contributions were critical in helping Stanford win crucial matches, and the experience prepared him well for the professional circuit. By the end of 2024, his ATP ranking had soared from No. 457 to No. 138, marking him as a promising newcomer in tennis.
A Noteworthy Start at the Australian Open
As the 2025 season kicked off, Basavareddy qualified for the main draws at both the Brisbane International and the Auckland Open. In Auckland, he made headlines as the youngest American to reach a hardcourt semifinal since Reilly Opelka in 2016. His run came to an end in the semi-finals when he lost to the eventual champion, Gael Monfils.
Basavareddy has long admired Novak Djokovic, referring to him as his inspiration. After his successful performance in Auckland, he commented, “I’ve looked up to a lot of different players but he’s always been my favorite.”
Meeting Djokovic on the court in Melbourne was a significant moment for Basavareddy. Djokovic, who admitted he didn’t know much about the young player before their match, praised Basavareddy’s performance and potential. “He was a better player for a set and a half. He deserved every bit of applause he got when he left the court,” Djokovic remarked. He further noted how challenging it can be to face someone with nothing to lose and expressed his surprise at Basavareddy’s shots and determination.
While Basavareddy’s Australian Open journey ended in the first round, his spirited performance against Djokovic signals a bright future ahead for this young player.
