"Novak Djokovic’s struggled a couple of times" - Nishesh Basavareddy cautiously optimistic about his chances in Australian Open 1R

Novak Djokovic will be up against 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy in his opening match at the 2025 Australian Open, following the American's impressive run to the semifinals of the ASB Classic as a qualifier. Despite the daunting challenge ahead, Basavareddy has found a source of motivation as he looks to pull off an unlikely win.

This is the second year in a row that Djokovic will face a teenager in his opening match at the Melbourne Slam. Last season, the Serb took on 18-year-old Dino Prizmic in his tournament opener, claiming a hard-fought 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 victory over the Croatian after a thrilling four-hour contest.

Speaking in his pre-tournament press conference, Nishesh Basavareddy admitted that Dino's Prizmic's impressive display against Novak Djokovic had given him hope in the possibility of pulling off a stunning upset. The 19-year-old also expressed optimism about facing a top player early in the draw, highlighting that the Serb occasionally "struggled" in the opening rounds of Majors.

"Yeah I remember watching that match at school last year and that was I think a tight four-set match, almost four hours actually. Dino played really well. He’s my age, I grew up with him in juniors a little bit, so yes, matches like that are definitely give me hope. Yeah, he’s struggled a couple of times, first round in Slams so I think that’s a good time to catch a top player. Maybe I can use that," he said.

Interestingly, Basavareddy will be squaring off against his "favorite player" in his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open, having previously disclosed that he admired Djokovic growing up and even "used to try to copy his serve."

Novak Djokovic: "I'm sure that Nishesh Basavareddy is going to be really pumped to make a statement"

The Serb speaks to the press - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic is well aware that Nishesh Basavareddy will be eager to "make a statement" in their highly anticipated clash at the 2025 Australian Open, acknowledging that the 19-year-old has little to lose.

Speaking in his pre-tournament press conference, the Serb emphasized the importance of taking the contest seriously and delivering his best effort to avoid an early exit.

"Yeah, I mean, it's going to be his, I guess, first time in main draw of the Grand Slam, wild card, playing on the center court. Not much to lose. I'm sure that he is going to be really pumped to make a statement. I have to obviously approach that match very seriously, like any other, and do my best to get a win. Also in the process, enjoy the nice moment of sharing the court with him," he said.

If Novak Djokovic triumphs over Nishesh Basavareddy in his tournament opener at the Melbourne Slam, he will continue his quest for his 25th Major title against Pavel Kotov or Jaime Faria in the second round.