Nishesh Basavareddy to Face Djokovic in Australian Open Debut

Nishesh Basavareddy, a 19-year-old American tennis prodigy with Indian roots, is set for a career-defining moment as he faces Novak Djokovic in the first round of the Australian Open 2025. The wildcard entrant, making his Grand Slam debut, brings with him an incredible journey shaped by perseverance, talent, and deep cultural ties.

Born in Newport Beach, California, and raised in Carmel, Indiana, Basavareddy soared up the ATP rankings in 2024, climbing from No. 457 to a career-best No. 138. His stellar run on the ATP Challenger Tour, where he reached six finals and clinched two titles, earned him a spot in the ATP Next Gen Finals and the coveted Australian Open wildcard.

Though American by nationality, Basavareddy remains deeply connected to his Indian heritage. With family in Hyderabad and Nellore, his childhood trips to India shaped his cultural identity. An avid fan of Guntur chilli-spiced Indian cuisine and Tollywood films, he embraces his roots while pursuing excellence on the global stage.

Basavareddy credits his intellectual approach to the game as his greatest asset. A former Stanford University student, he turned professional in December 2024, after two years of studying Data Science. “I watched so much tennis when I was younger, I used to always have Tennis Channel running, trying to learn from whatever commentators were saying about the pros. I just love watching tennis,” he said. “I think just being able to see so many different matches, seeing what players are doing I was able to learn different strategies that I could employ against certain players. That has evolved over time.”

Mentored by tennis great and fellow Carmel resident Rajeev Ram, Basavareddy has received invaluable guidance on transitioning to professional tennis. Standing at 5-foot-11, the agile and cerebral teenager is celebrated for his sharp return game and on-court adaptability.

Facing Djokovic, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, presents the ultimate test for this rising star. Despite the odds, Basavareddy’s debut Down Under promises to showcase his potential and passion. The tennis world will be watching as the Indian-origin wildcard takes his first steps toward greatness against one of the sport’s legends.