Who’s Nishesh Basavareddy? Indian-origin teen makes gorgeous Australian Open debut

Whereas Novak Djokovic started his bid to reclaim the Australian Open crown with a first-round win on Monday, it was his opponent, 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy, who captured hearts together with his fearless efficiency. Regardless of dealing with one of many sport’s biggest legends, Basavareddy left followers and pundits in awe by taking the primary set off Djokovic. Basavareddy, who apparently has Djokovic’s picture as his WhatsApp show image and counts the Serbian legend as one among his idols, didn’t simply maintain his personal, however introduced his arrival on the grandest of the phases.

In a match that stretched for two hours and 59 minutes, the longest of his profession, Basavareddy pushed the tennis nice to the restrict. Djokovic’s newest marketing campaign, now beneath the steerage of former rival-turned-coach Andy Murray, began on a dramatic word as Basavareddy made his presence felt early.

Although Djokovic in the end triumphed by successful the first-round match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, Basavareddy’s debut Grand Slam efficiency stood as a testomony to his promising potential and combating spirit.

Novak Djokovic vs Nishesh Basavareddy, Australian Open: Highlights

Born in Newport Seaside, California, in 2005 to Indian dad and mom, Sai Prasanna and Muralikrishna Basavareddy, Nishesh carries a wealthy cultural heritage. His dad and mom, initially from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, relocated to america in 1999, first settling in San Francisco earlier than transferring to Southern California. The household later made central Indiana their residence on account of his Muralikrishna’s skilled commitments.

Basavareddy grew up alongside his older brother Nishanth, who additionally shares a love for tennis. Their father, a tennis fanatic, launched each siblings to the game at a younger age. Beneath the mentorship of coach Bryan Smith, Basavareddy’s expertise blossomed, and he quickly discovered steerage from Indiana-native and former doubles World No. 1 Rajeev Ram, who continues to be a mentor.

RISING THROUGH THE RANKS

A formidable junior profession noticed Basavareddy attain a peak rating of World No. 3. He captured the boys’ doubles title on the Junior US Open in 2022 alongside compatriot Ozan Baris. Nevertheless, his journey was not with out challenges—knee surgical procedures in 2016 and 2018 examined his resolve.

In 2024, Basavareddy made vital strides by claiming two Challenger titles in Puerto Vallarta and Tiburon whereas ending runner-up in 4 different tournaments. His constant performances secured him a spot on the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, the place he recorded his first tour-level victory by defeating Juncheng Shang of China.

Earlier than the Jeddah match, Basavareddy introduced his determination to show skilled after two profitable years at Stanford College, the place he made a big impression each academically and athletically. As a member of Stanford’s tennis program, he helped the workforce clinch a number of essential matches, showcasing his capability to carry out beneath stress. His experiences at Stanford honed his abilities, setting the stage for his seamless transition to skilled tennis. His ATP rating soared from No. 457 at the beginning of 2024 to No. 138 by 12 months’s finish, cementing his place as a rising star within the tennis world.

GRAND DEBUT AT SLAM

Beginning the 2025 season on a excessive word, Basavareddy certified for the principle attracts on the Brisbane Worldwide and Auckland Open. In New Zealand, he made historical past because the youngest American to achieve a hardcourt semifinal since Reilly Opelka in 2016. His run ended within the semi-final the place he misplaced to eventual champion Gael Monfils.

A protracted-time admirer of Novak Djokovic, Basavareddy has overtly credited the 24-time Grand Slam champion as his inspiration.

“I’ve appeared as much as a variety of completely different gamers and modelled my recreation after them, however he’s all the time been my favourite,” Basavareddy shared after a notable efficiency in Auckland.

Going through Djokovic in Melbourne marked a pivotal second for Basavareddy’s profession. Djokovic, who admitted to understanding little concerning the younger participant previous to their assembly, praised his dynamism and completeness on the courtroom, recognising the potential of the bold 19-year-old.

“He was a greater participant for a set and a half. He deserved each little bit of applause he received when he left the courtroom. To be sincere I’ve by no means seen him play up till 3 or 4 days in the past. I didn’t know a lot about him. These matchups are all the time difficult whenever you play somebody with nothing to lose. First match ever for him in a slam. He pleasantly stunned me with all of his photographs and combating spirit in direction of the top. I want him all the perfect for the remainder of his profession,” Djokovic stated post-match.

Though Basavareddy’s Australian Open journey concluded early, his spirited problem towards Djokovic underscored his shiny future.