Meet Nishesh Basavareddy, who made the life difficult for Novak Djokovic in Australian open 2025 1st Round, his inspiration is…

19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy stunned Novak Djokovic in the 2025 Australian Open first round, citing Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as his tennis inspirations.

New Delhi: At just 19 years old, Nishesh Basavareddy has quickly emerged as one of the brightest young stars in tennis. Known for his remarkable athleticism, powerful groundstrokes, and tactical intelligence, Basavareddy is already making waves in the professional circuit. Born in the United States to Indian parents, he has climbed the ranks of tennis, with a strong background in junior tennis, and is now making the transition to the professional stage.

An Early Wake-Up Call for Novak Djokovic

Basavareddy’s 2025season got off to a thrilling start when he faced none other than Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 2025. In a match that caught everyone by surprise, the American teenager claimed the first set 6-4 against the King of the Australian Open. Djokovic, who looked slightly off his usual form, seemed shaken by the young Basavareddy’s impressive play. The teenager showed remarkable composure, especially when serving for the first set, under intense pressure from the experienced Serbian. It was a bold statement from Basavareddy, letting the world know that he is here to compete at the highest level.

Turning Pro Over College Tennis

Despite being accepted into Stanford University, one of the top collegiate tennis programs in the United States, Basavareddy made the bold decision to turn professional instead of playing college tennis. In December 2023, he made the career-defining move to forgo college tennis, a decision that has already begun to pay off. He has tasted significant success on the Challenger circuit, where he claimed two titles and reached five finals in 2024 alone. Basavareddy’s decision to take the leap into the professional arena has already shown signs of being the right one.

Inspired by Tennis’s Brightest Futures

Much like his contemporaries Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Basavareddy has shown the potential to follow in their footsteps. Both Alcaraz and Sinner were touted as the future of tennis from a young age, and they have now become the dominant forces on the ATP tour, sweeping up major titles across the globe. Basavareddy has made it clear that these rising stars serve as his inspiration. He is determined to reach similar heights and prove himself as one of the sport’s brightest talents.

The Mentorship of Rajeev Ram

Basavareddy’s growth as a player has been guided by none other than former World No. 1 doubles player, Rajeev Ram. Ram, a four-time Major champion in doubles, has supported Basavareddy for over a decade. Their partnership began when they met at a tennis camp run by their mutual coach, Bryan Smith. Ram’s extensive experience and mentorship have played a significant role in shaping Basavareddy’s game, giving the young American valuable insights into the professional tennis world.

Balancing Academics and Tennis

In addition to his flourishing tennis career, Basavareddy is also a student at Stanford University, where he has managed to balance both academics and athletics. His ability to juggle college life with a professional tennis career is a testament to his discipline and determination. His unique blend of academic focus and athletic prowess makes him a promising figure not only in American tennis but also on the global stage. A Promising Start to His Professional Journey

The start has already been an exciting one for Basavareddy, with his stellar performances on the Challenger circuit and an impressive showing against Djokovic. His results, including two titles and five finals on the Challenger tour, prove that he is more than capable of handling the challenges of the professional tennis circuit. Basavareddy is poised to continue making strides and break into the top ranks of professional tennis in the coming years.

A Bright Future Ahead

With his skill set, maturity, and determination, Basavareddy’s future in tennis looks incredibly promising. He has already proven himself capable of competing with some of the best players in the world, and his career trajectory is one to watch closely. As he continues to grow as a player and hone his craft, it’s clear that Nishesh Basavareddy will be a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional tennis for years to come.