Novak Djokovic sends  message to Australian Open opponent Nishesh Basavareddy after surviving opening -round scare 

Novak Djokovic overcame an early stumble to open his 2025 Australian Open campaign with a win. The Serb was a victor in fourth sets against the talented 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy.

The teenager had stunned the 10-time former champion with his quick start, taking the opening set 6-4. He, however, soon ran out of steam and his opponent strengthened a grip over the match and eventually took it 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

During his on-court interview after the win, Djokovic sent out a message to Basavareddy, saying he deserved all the applause as he was the better player at the start of the contest. He also acknowledged the difficulty in playing an opponent that you know nothing about but gave the teenager all the credit for the way he played.

"It was great and I think he was the better player for a set and a half and he deserves every bit of applause that he got, when he was executing the point," Novak Djokovic said. "It's good performance."

"To be really honest with you, I've never seen him play up to maybe 3 or 4 days ago, so, you know, I didn't know much, much about him, you know, these kind of matchups are always, always tricky, always dangerous," he added.

The Serb also expressrd surprise at some of the shot-making from his opponent as well as his fighting spirit. He went on to wish Basavareddy the very best for his career.

"I mean you're playing somebody that has, you know, nothing to lose, obviously first match ever for him at the Grand Slam level and just a very complete player," Novak Djokovic said.

"Just, he did very pleasantly surprise me with all of his shots with fighting spirit towards the end, so I wish him all the very best for the rest of his career."

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"I do appreciate the support" - Novak Djokovic on Australian Open opponent using his image on Whatsapp

Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open. (Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic was also told by the interviewer that Nishesh Basavareddy in fact uses his image as the display picture on WhatsApp. Reacting to the insight, the Serb joked that he appreciates the support from youngsters in whichever way it comes.

"I don't know what to say to that, to be honest, you know, I obviously try not to think about those particular things when I'm on the court," Novak Djokovic said. "But I do appreciate the support and appreciation if that's how I'm supposed to get that."

He reiterated his liking for Basavareddy's game, saying if the teenager sticks to the grind and stays disciplined, tennis fans are likely to see a lot more of him in the future.

"He's, he's a nice boy. I mean, he's, he's a teenager still. I think if he keeps going this way, honestly, like as I said, he didn't get carried away by the, you know, significance of the moment."

"It's not easy stepping out on the center court for the first time and handling the nerves and all. I mean, he's handled himself really, really well, so you know I'm sure we'll see a lot of him in the future," he added.

Djokovic is chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open title. Up next in his pursuit, he will face another first-time match-up against Jaime Faria of Portugal in the second round.