The former Stanford University standout Nishesh Basavareddy debuted at Majors at Rod Laver Arena against Novak Djokovic! The 19-year-old American of Indian origin showed his A-game for a set and a half before losing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
Novak ousted a teenager in two hours and 59 minutes, overcoming a shaky start and moving into the second round in Melbourne for the 189th straight time. The greatest player of all time felt impressed by the newcomer.
Djokovic praised Basavareddy and admitted he was the better player for a set and a half. Nishesh earned Novak’s admiration for the quality of his strokes and outstanding fighting spirit after never giving up. The greatest player of all time wished the young gun all the best in the future.
Novak Djokovic with nothing but respect and praise for his young opponent.
Class act all the way. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/oCIzfqk2aj
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) January 13, 2025
Nishesh ended his College career last May and made a brilliant transition to Challengers. A teenager claimed two titles from six finals, passing 320 rivals on the ATP ranking list. He also conquered the USTA Australian Open Wild Card Challenge and punched the Melbourne ticket.
As a reward, Basavareddy played his first Major match against the most accomplished player of all time. Did he show fear? No way! The 19-year-old outplayed the ten-time champion in the first set and stayed in touch until the second part of the second.
Nishesh Basavareddy, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Djokovic fired 23 aces and dropped 25 points in his games. The legend faced only three break points and got broken once in the opener. He kept the pressure on his rival for the rest of the clash and broke his resistance.
Basavareddy sprayed eight double faults and dropped serve four times from 11 chances offered to the 24-time Major champion. Novak tamed his strokes nicely and landed 51 winners and 41 unforced errors, outplaying Nishesh’s 32-42 ratio.
The Serb had the upper hand in the shortest and most advanced exchanges, while the American fought well in the mid-range ones and stayed in touch. A teenager experienced cramps in the second set. He endured them and fought well in the third before losing ground in the fourth.
Nishesh Basavareddy & Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Nishesh made a dream start, outplaying Novak in the first set. A teenager hit well from both wings and secured a break that made the difference. Djokovic missed a break chance in three games and paid the price at 3-3.
The American cracked a return winner for a break at 15 and a lead. Basavareddy survived a break point in game eight for 5-3 and served for the set at 5-4. The young gun saved another break point and wrapped up the opener 6-4 in 49 minutes.
Novak raised his level in the second set and controlled the scoreboard. His rival struggled physically and saved two break points in the fourth game. The Serb finally clinched a break in the eighth game after the American’s forehand error, moving 5-3 up.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Djokovic closed the set with a hold at 15 in game nine, landing a service winner for 6-3 and leveling the overall score after an hour and 34 minutes. Novak served well in the third set and challenged the young gun to follow that pace.
Nishesh hit a double fault in the first game and suffered a break. Djokovic needed no second invitation to clinch the set from there. The legend held at 30 at 5-4, moving two sets to one in front after two hours and 16 minutes.
Novak drew the rival’s mistake in the first game of the fourth set for a break at 15, moving closer to the finish line. The Serb saved a break point in the fourth game and closed it with a service winner for 3-1 before making another push on the return in the next one.
Nishesh Basavareddy, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Basavareddy wasted a 40-0 lead and played a loose volley to fall 4-1 behind. The American struggled again at 1-5 while serving to stay in the match. He presented his fighting spirit and defended two match points before holding for 2-5.
Djokovic served for the win in game eight and seized the second match point with his 23rd ace, moving into the second round in style.
“I think Nishesh was the better player for a set and a half. He deserves every bit of applause he got when leaving the court. Honestly, I saw him play for the first time three or four days ago, not knowing much about his game.
These match-ups are always tricky and dangerous as your rival has nothing to lose. Nishesh is a very complete player. He pleasantly surprised me with his shots and fighting spirit towards the end of the duel. I wish him all the best for the rest of his career,” Novak Djokovic said.
Tennis World USA