Indian-origin Nishesh Basavareddy fell to a defeat against his role model Novak Djokovic on Monday’s first round of the Australian Open 2025.

The 19-year-old player turned professional in December 2024.

In the past, Basavareddy had mentioned in an interview that Djokovic was his idol growing up.

Nishesh claimed the opening set 6-4, playing with remarkable flair and composure for a debutant on such a grand stage, as per reports.

With a win by 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2, Djokovic kicks off his quest for a 25th Grand Slam over Basavareddy.

Who is Nishesh Basavareddy?

Born to American parents from Andhra Pradesh, Nishesh Basavareddy, is a tennis prodigy who appeared in his maiden Australian Open 2025 on Monday.

Basavareddy is pursuing a Data Science degree at Stanford University as per his LinkedIn profile.

Rajeev Ram, who is a former world no. 1 in doubles has mentored Nishesh. In 2022, Nishesh clinched the boys’ doubles title at the US Open. Nishesh was also world no. 3 in junior men’s tennis. He won two ATP Challenger titles in 2024.

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