By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | January 13, 2025
In a thrilling display on Monday night in Melbourne, 19-year-old American sensation Nishesh Basavareddy left a lasting mark, taking on the legendary 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in a gripping four-set match within the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
Though Djokovic triumphed with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory, he couldn’t help but sing praises for the young prodigy from Southern California, who outplayed him for the first set and a half.
“I was truly impressed by him,” remarked the 37-year-old Serbian post-match. “You could feel the energy of the entire stadium; they recognized the talent and fighting spirit he displayed.”
Many fans and analysts are already drawing parallels between Basavareddy’s game and Djokovic’s own, highlighting his impeccable balance, rally direction changes, and exceptional depth in groundstrokes.
(This observation focuses on playing style and technique, not on future outcomes)
Nishesh Basavareddy does the best Djokovic impression I’ve ever seen. Not close.
— Gill Gross 🍍 (@Gill_Gross) January 13, 2025
The young athlete also exhibited remarkable composure and resilience, reminiscent of Djokovic. After struggling with cramps at the end of the second set, Basavareddy sought assistance from a trainer and hydrated himself to stay competitive. While victory eluded him, he earned immense respect for his fighting spirit.
Even Naomi Osaka, slated to compete following the Djokovic-Basavareddy clash, noticed his performance.
Novak Djokovic reacts to seeing Nishesh Basavareddy’s picture as his WhatsApp profile after their match at #AO2025 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/86XVo8By4b
— FirstSportz Tennis (@FS_Tennis1) January 13, 2025
“I was incredibly impressed by [Basavareddy], the kid that Djokovic played,” Osaka commented. “I admired his focus. Even when cramps hit him, he remained intent on competing.”
Djokovic also predicts a bright future for Basavareddy, currently ranked 107th in the world.
“He deserves immense recognition for stepping onto the big stage in his Grand Slam debut and performing the way he did,” Djokovic added. “If he continues on this trajectory, we’re bound to see a lot more of him. He possesses fantastic skills. Overall, he’s a well-rounded player, and while there’s always room for improvement, he already has a solid game.”
