With 24 titles on his tally, Novak Djokovic is the most accomplished player at Majors. The Serb holds many records at the most notable tournaments, and the desire to add more in the upcoming years still burns strong.
Novak has never lost a Major match to a teenager, and the young American Nishesh Basavareddy will try to change that in Melbourne! Djokovic and the 19-year-old Basavareddy are playing in the Australian Open first round at Rod Laver Arena.
Rod Laver Arena goes crazy for their 10-time champion Novak Djokovic 🇷🇸#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Htzd0B3464
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) January 13, 2025
The ten-time champion is the favorite, but the young gun wants to present his A-game in his first match at Majors! Nishesh played College tennis until May last year. He turned his focus to Challengers and embraced impressive results by the end of the season.
A teenager claimed the USTA Australian Open Wild Card Challenge following three deep runs during the indoor swing. Thus, he punched the Australian Open ticket and secured his first appearance at Majors. By the will of the draw, he faces the legend in the first round.
Nishesh Basavareddy, Auckland 2025© Stream screenshot
Basavareddy is trying to become the first teenager with a Major win over Djokovic. The Serb is 25-3 in Major encounters against the U21 player, never losing to those who did not celebrate their 20th birthday.
Rafael Nadal ousted Djokovic at the 2006 Roland Garros a couple of days after turning 20. The Serb fought well before retiring after the second set due to physical issues. Two young guns met again in Paris a year later, battling for a place in the final.
Rafa beat Novak in straight sets, becoming the only young player to have multiple victories over the Serb at Majors. Djokovic helped Nadal maintain that streak following 19 consecutive triumphs over the youngsters on the most notable scene.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The Serb has been on an incredible streak at Majors since 2011, becoming the most consistent player at the premium events. The young players lacked experience and the finishing touch to beat him, although some of them came close to achieving that.
Lorenzo Musetti claimed the opening two sets against Novak at the 2021 Roland Garros. The legend turned the tables and dominated the rest of the clash before his rival retired. The 20-year-old Jannik Sinner pushed Djokovic to the limits at Wimbledon a year later.
The Serb prevailed in five sets and extended his streak. It came to its end at Wimbledon two years ago. Carlos Alcaraz ousted the greatest player of all time in a five-setter in the final. Thus, he lifted a trophy and became the second-youngest player to beat Novak at Majors.
Nishesh Basavareddy is trying to join Nadal and Alcaraz on the list and reach the top after not yet turning 20.
Tennis World USA