By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday January 13, 2025
Although he didn’t come away with the victory on Monday evening in Melbourne, 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy made a big 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 evaluation 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 received a terrific spherical of applause and appreciation from the group. They noticed what he did on the court docket, the standard of tennis he put in, the combating spirit.”
Many are evaluating Basavareddy’s model of play to Djokovic’s, as a consequence of the truth that the American has a really well-balanced sport and excels at altering path of the rallies and producing penetrating depth on his groundstrokes.
(The next is a touch upon play model and approach, not a prediction of future outcomes)Nishesh Basavareddy does the very 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 in contrast to 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 may try and proceed with the battle. He didn’t get the win however he definitely received plenty of respect for his effort.
Naomi Osaka, who was scheduled to play after the Djokovic – Basavareddy match, took discover as nicely.
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. Regardless that he cramped, he was nonetheless intent on enjoying the match.”
Djokovic says we are able to count on large 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 way in which he did play,” he stated. “So nicely performed. I am positive if he retains going, as I stated on the court docket, this manner, he is very younger, we’re going to see fairly a little bit of him sooner or later. He is received actually nice arms. Total fairly a whole participant. After all, he can all the time enhance the photographs. He already has a very good sport.”
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