"Novak Djokovic's my favorite player growing up" - When Nishesh Basavareddy modeled his game on Serb to become the 'Indian Novak Djokovic'

Novak Djokovic’s first-round opponent at the 2025 Australian Open is set. The 10-time champion opens his campaign against Indian-American Nishesh Basavareddy.

Basavareddy, aged 19, has made a splash on the tour in recent weeks. The player is presently competing at the ATP 250 ASB Classic in Auckland, where he reached his maiden tour-level semifinal on January 9 as a qualifier.

En route, the rising star beat tough opponents such as defending champion Alejandro Tabilo and compatriot Alex Michelsen. Meanwhile, in the qualifiers, Nishesh Basavareddy stunned Botic van de Zandschulp and Daniel Altmaier. He was also among the top 8 players who qualified for the ATP Next Gen Finals in December 2024.

Interestingly, the American, whose rise can’t be ignored, has been compared to Novak Djokovic, his idol. On the Changeover podcast last November, Basavareddy was asked about being labeled “The Indian Novak.” In response, the teenager said that he indeed modeled his game after the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

"Yeah, when I was younger I used to try to like copy his serve and stuff. Maybe when I was younger serve wasn’t as good so that wasn’t the best thing," he said. "But yeah he’s (Novak Djokovic) been my favorite player since I was growing up, so."

Basavareddy explained how Novak Djokovic’s game appealed to him, highlighting the Serb’s sublime defensive skills.

"And also when I was younger I didn’t think I was going to be the biggest guy. I ended up growing a little more than I thought I would be," he said.

"I was never going to be the guy that’s going to overpower someone or serve big. So I think learning from a guy like him who uses all parts of the court as an all-around player; uses the pace of the other guy to redirect, those have all been things that I’ve worked on since I was young. So I think it just developed overtime."

Novak Djokovic prepares for Australian Open 2025 in Melbourne as Nishesh Basavareddy continues Auckland journey

2025 Australian Open Previews - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic has commenced his Australian Open preparations at Melbourne Park alongside longtime rival Andy Murray, who is making his blockbuster debut as the Serb’s coach.

Djokovic opened his 2025 campaign at the Brisbane International, where he beat Rinky Hijikata and Gael Monfils to reach the quarterfinals. At this stage he was knocked out by eventual runner-up Reilly Opelka 7-6 (6), 6-3.

Meanwhile, Basavareddy also kicked off his journey in Brisbane. While the 19-year-old survived the qualifiers, he suffered a defeat to Monfils in the opening round. At the ongoing ASB Classic, the American is set to face the French veteran again as he bids for a place in his maiden ATP final on Friday, January 10.