By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday January 13, 2025
Although he didn’t come away with the victory on Monday night time in Melbourne, 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy made a major impression on the massive stage as he battled 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic throughout 4 powerful units inside Rod Laver Enviornment.
Djokovic himself, who was outplayed by the previous Stanford standout for the primary set and a half, got here away with a glowing evaluate of what he noticed from the Southern California native.
“I used to be very impressed by him,” the 37-year-old Serbian stated after notching a 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 triumph. “I believe the entire stadium was actually. That is why he bought a fantastic spherical of applause and appreciation from the gang. They noticed what he did on the court docket, the standard of tennis he put in, the combating spirit.”
Many are evaluating Basavareddy’s fashion of play to Djokovic’s, because of the truth that the American has a really well-balanced sport and excels at altering route of the rallies and producing penetrating depth on his groundstrokes.
(The next is a touch upon play fashion and approach, not a prediction of future outcomes)Nishesh Basavareddy does one of the best Djokovic impression I’ve ever seen. Not shut.
— Gill Gross 🍍 (@Gill_Gross) January 13, 2025
He additionally displayed excessive poise and psychological toughness, not not like Djokovic. After cramping on the finish of the second set, Basavareddy saved his wits about him, noticed the coach and loaded up on fluids in order that he might try and proceed with the battle. He didn’t get the win however he definitely received a variety of respect for his effort.
Naomi Osaka, who was scheduled to play after the Djokovic – Basavareddy match, took discover as effectively.
Novak Djokovic reacts on Nishesh Basavareddy having his image as his WhatsApp profile image after their match at #AO2025 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/86XVo8By4b
— FirstSportz Tennis (@FS_Tennis1) January 13, 2025
“I used to be actually impressed by [Basavareddy], the child that Djokovic performed,” she stated. “I assumed it was actually cool how centered he was. Although he cramped, he was nonetheless intent on enjoying the match.”
Djokovic says we are able to anticipate huge issues from the present World No.107.
“Big credit score to him for stepping out in his debut in a Grand Slam, first time on a giant court docket, enjoying the best way he did play,” he stated. “So effectively achieved. I am positive if he retains going, as I stated on the court docket, this fashion, he is very younger, we’re going to see fairly a little bit of him sooner or later. He is bought actually nice fingers. General fairly an entire participant. In fact, he can at all times enhance the photographs. He already has a extremely good sport.”
