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Australian Open: 19-year-old Indian-origin Nishesh Basavareddy loses in valiant effort vs Novak Djokovic in thriller
Novak Djokovic vs Nishesh Basavareddy Australian Open 2025: The Serbian used all his experience to stage an epic comeback vs Indian-origin Nishesh Basavareddy.
Novak Djokovic vs Nishesh Basavareddy Australian Open 2025: After a strong start in his first round opener, Nishesh Basavareddy fell to a 6-4 3-6 4-6 2-6 defeat against Novak Djokovic. The Serbian wrapped up proceedings with ease in the fourth set to qualify for the next round. The Paris 2024 gold medallist won the third set 6-4 to take a 2-1 lead. It was total dominance from the World No. 7 as he sealed the second set 6-3 to level proceedings.
His opponent also suffered cramps and lost momentum after the second set.
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After losing the first set, Djokovic raised his game in the second, but the 19-year-old India-origin American ace fought back and at one point the second set stood at 3-3. But then tiredness and fatigue got to him, gifting Djokovic a 6-3 win in the second set.
The American youngster shocked Djokovic in the first set, clinching it 6-4 in their first round showdown, at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Monday. The Serbian ace looked out-of-sorts in the first set, and the American capitalised on it. But Djokovic has found his footing in the second set against America's rising tennis sensation.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic said,"I was impressed by him."
"The whole stadium was. That's why he got a great round of applause and appreciation from the crowd. They saw what he did on court, the quality of tennis, the fighting spirit.
"I ended the match in good fashion. I think it's important. It counts mentally for me, for the rest of the tournament."
Basavareddy got a wildcard entry in Melbourne, and a victory will be massive for the youngster. Djokovic is chasing a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne, a record-breaking 25th career Major overall.
