Djokovic High on 19-year-old Basavareddy After First Round Win in Melbourne

Posted by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday January 13, 2025

Although he didn’t come out victorious on Monday night in Melbourne, the 19-year-old American. Nishesh Basavareddy he made an impression on the big stage as he battled the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in four tight sets inside the Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic himself, who was edged out by the former Stanford standout in the first set and a half, came up with a glowing review of what he saw from the Southern California native.

“He impressed me a lot,” said the Serbian, 37, after winning 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2. “I think the whole field was perfect. That’s why he got a big applause and appreciation from the crowd. They saw what he did on the court, the level of tennis he put in, the fighting spirit.”

Many compare Basavareddy’s style of play to that of Djokovic, because the American has a more balanced game and is better at transitioning in circles and producing more depth in his groundstrokes.

(The following is a commentary on playing style and strategy, not a prediction of future results)

Nishesh Basavareddy does the best Djokovic impression I’ve ever seen. Not close.

– Gill Gross 🍍 (@Gill_Gross) January 13, 2025

He also showed great composure and mental toughness, unlike Djokovic. After cramping at the end of the second set, Basavareddy kept thinking about himself, saw a trainer and rehydrated to try to keep the fight going. He didn’t get the win but he certainly earned a lot of respect for his effort.

Naomi Osaka, who was scheduled to play after the Djokovic – Basavareddy match, also paid attention.

Novak Djokovic responds with Nishesh Basavareddy having his picture as his WhatsApp profile picture after their match. #AO2025 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/86XVo8By4b

— FirstSportz Tennis (@FS_Tennis1) January 13, 2025

“It really impressed me [Basavareddy]the child played by Djokovic,” he said. “I thought it was really cool how focused he was. Even though he was tight, he was still determined to play this game.”

Djokovic says we can expect big things from the current World No.107.

“Big credit to him for his first Grand Slam appearance, first time on a big court, playing the way he plays,” he said. “Well done. I’m sure if he continues, like I said in court, like this, he’s still very young, we’ll see a little bit of him in the future. He has really big hands. Overall a perfect player. Of course, he can always improve the gun. He already has a really good game.”