Novak Djokovic is locked in a tense battle with 19-year-old American talent Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round of the Australian Open 2025, with the Indian-origin youngster taking the early advantage by winning the first set 6-4. The match, held at the iconic Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Monday, saw Djokovic struggle in the opening set, as Basavareddy capitalized on the Serbian’s uncharacteristic errors.
Basavareddy, who earned a wildcard entry for the Australian Open, stunned the tennis world by clinching the first set. Djokovic, however, quickly regained his rhythm and led 4-3 in the second set, aiming to make a strong comeback in this exciting first-round encounter. The world No. 1 is pursuing his 11th Australian Open title, which would extend his record at Melbourne Park, and his 25th Grand Slam overall.
The young American’s rise has been impressive, with Basavareddy’s parents hailing from Andhra Pradesh, India, and having moved to San Francisco in 1999. Born in California, Basavareddy has already made a name for himself on the tennis circuit, securing a career-high junior ranking of No. 3. He turned professional last year after qualifying for the Next Gen ATP Finals and has quickly gained attention with strong performances on the Challenger circuit.
Basavareddy’s notable achievements include reaching his first ATP Challenger final in 2023 at the Fairfield Challenger, where he also made another final appearance in 2024. He went on to win his maiden Challenger title in California in October 2024, followed by another victory in Puerto Vallarta, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
Ahead of the match, Djokovic spoke highly of Basavareddy’s potential:
“I don’t know much about him, to be honest. I watched him play for the first time yesterday. He’s a very quick and talented player with a great game. He’s got great hands, serves well, and hits his spots. He’s very dynamic and has a complete game overall,” Djokovic commented.
As Basavareddy looks to secure a monumental victory in his Australian Open debut, Djokovic aims to rebound and continue his quest for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title. The match remains a thrilling contest, showcasing the future of tennis alongside its current legend.
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