The young AmericanNishesh Basavareddy made a name for himself in 2024. The 19-year-old passed 320 rivals on the ATP ranking list and earned a place in his first Major tournament at the Australian Open. Reward? The first-round clash against Novak Djokovic at Rod Laver Arena!
ADVERTISEMENT
A teenager played well this week, reaching his first ATP semi-final in Auckland.Basavareddy did not want to check the Australian Open draw until he finishedhis Auckland campaign, but he would have knownhis first rival in Melbourne anyway!
Nishesh's brother informed him about the draw, and the young gun felt thrilled and excited to face the legend on one of the greatest tennis courts. A teenager trained with Djokovic at the ATP Finals. Now, he will challenge him on the most notable tennis stage!
Basavareddy will try to become the third U21 player with a Major win over Djokovic at Majors. Also, the American wouldbecome the first teenager to achieve that! Of course, Novak is the favorite due to his experience and an incredible record in Melbourne.
However, he will have to play well to topple the young gun, who has nothing to lose.The Newport Beach native ended his College career in May and showed his A-gamein the upcoming months at Challengers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nisheshconquered the USTA Australian Open Wild Card Challenge with three good results in Charlottesville, Knoxville and Champaign, punching his Australian Open ticket. He reached two finals and collected one semi-final to top the Wild Card Challenge standings.
Basavareddy made a reliable start to the 2025 season. A teenager qualified for the main draw in Brisbane and fell to Gael Monfils in the first round. He reached the main draw in Auckland a week later and made a name for himself.
The 19-year-old beat five rivals to enter the main action and notch his first ATP semi-final. Nishesh battled against Gael for the second time within two weeks and experienced a tight loss. The American wasted five break points and lost serve once in the closing stages of the duel.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nishesh will make his Major debut against Novak Djokovic on Monday. It will be the crowning achievement of his recent success and progress. What can we expect from the young gun against the legend. A hard-fought battle and the positive vibes.
"I was still in Auckland when the Australian Open draw came out. I planned to check it after my Auckland campaign, but my brother informed me about my first opponent. He told me I would face Novak. I was happy and excited when I found out.
Facing such a legend in one of the biggest tennis stadiums is great," Nishesh Basavareddy said.
