Published By: Sanchari Das

THIS Indian-Origin Kid Aims to Upset NovakDjokovic at the Australian Open

He's only 19 and already on the big stage, but will this Indian-origin underdog have what it takes to rattle the king of Melbourne?

Novak Djokovic is set to begin his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open. His first-round opponent? A 19-year-old rising star of Indian origin, Nishesh Basavareddy. This young talent has already made waves, earning his spot through determination and remarkable performances. Basavareddy may not be a household name yet, but his journey is one to admire.

Indian roots, American dreams

Basavareddy's story is deeply connected to his Indian heritage. His parents, who hail from Nellore, a city in southern India, moved to the United States in 1999. They settled first in California and later in Indiana, ensuring that Nishesh and his brother grew up with a balance of cultural values and ambition.

It was in California that Nishesh first picked up a tennis racket inspired by his elder brother. When the family moved to Irvine, tennis had become his primary focus. His mother, Sai Prasanna, played a pivotal role in nurturing his talent, while his father, Muralikrishna, provided the family's stability during frequent relocations.

A remarkable rise to the ATP stage

Basavareddy's 2024 season was a turning point in his career. Competing primarily in ATP Challenger events, he achieved his maiden Challenger title in Tiburon, California, and followed it up with another triumph in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He finished the year strong, winning 28 of his last 34 matches and breaking into the ATP top 150. These performances earned him a spot at the prestigious Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, where he competed with some of the brightest young stars in tennis.

College to pro: A bold decision

The Carmel, Indiana native made a life-changing decision in late 2024—leaving Stanford University to turn professional. After two years competing for the Stanford Cardinals, his recent successes made the transition seem inevitable.

Basavareddy's time at Stanford wasn't just about tennis. He pursued a degree in Data Science and embraced the joys of college life. While leaving behind the stability of student life wasn't easy, he remains committed to completing his education in the future.

Facing Djokovic: A challenge like no other

Every player dreams of and dreads the challenge of standing across the net from Novak Djokovic the Serbian legend boasts an incredible record at the Australian Open, with ten titles and a near-flawless record against players outside the top 100. Basavareddy, ranked World No. 133, is unfazed by the monumental task ahead. His recent performances against higher-ranked players, including his giant-killing run in the Auckland ATP 250, have given him confidence.

Giant-killer in the making

Basavareddy's run at the Auckland tournament is a testament to his growing prowess. He defeated defending champion Alejandro Tabilo and overcame sixth seed Alex Michelsen in thrilling matches to reach the semifinals. These victories highlight his ability to rise to the occasion, even under immense pressure. Djokovic may be the favourite, but Basavareddy has proven he can hold his own against top-tier competition.

A grounded young star

Despite his rapid rise, Basavareddy remains grounded. He credits his time at Stanford for shaping his perspective and providing a safety net for the future. "I always have college to fall back on," he said in an interview, reflecting on his unique journey. For now, his focus is entirely on tennis. The 2025 season is his first full year on the ATP Tour, and he's already shown he belongs at this level.

A star in the making

Facing Djokovic in Melbourne is undoubtedly the biggest match of Basavareddy's young career. While the odds are stacked against him, his composure and determination could make this a match to remember. Win or lose, Nishesh Basavareddy's journey from college courts to the Australian Open is a story of ambition, resilience, and hard work. With talent and a level head, this Indian-origin rising star is one to watch.