Nishesh Basavareddy, the 19-year-old tennis prodigy from Newport Beach, California, made his much-anticipated Grand Slam debut at the 2025 Australian Open, facing none other than his childhood idol, Novak Djokovic. Fresh off a semi-final run at the ATP 250 in Auckland, Basavareddy showcased his potential but fell short against the 10-time champion in the first round, with Djokovic staging a comeback after losing the first set.
Basavareddy’s journey to the main stage has been nothing short of remarkable. Born on May 2, 2005, to Indian immigrants from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, he first captured attention in 2022 by winning the Boys’ Doubles title at the US Open with partner Ozan Baris. His stellar 2024 season on the ATP Challenger Tour saw him clinch two titles, reach four finals, and achieve a 41-13 match record—making him one of only three Americans in Challenger history to secure over 40 wins in a single season.
Turning professional in December 2024, Basavareddy climbed to a career-high ranking of World No. 139 after his triumphs at the Tiburon Challenger and the Puerto Vallarta Open. His consistent performances earned him a wildcard entry into the Australian Open, setting the stage for his dream encounter with Djokovic.
Reflecting on the experience, Basavareddy shared his excitement with ATPTour.com, saying, “Playing against Novak Djokovic is a surreal moment. This is what you dream about as a little kid.”
While the result didn’t go his way, Basavareddy’s debut underscores his immense potential. With a fearless attitude and a stellar start to the season, the rising star is poised to make his mark on the global stage in the years to come.