Telugu tennis sensation Basavareddy loves Tollywood movies, Guntur cuisine

The American of Indian origin who gave a scare to Djokovic at the Australian Open, has his roots in Nellore

Hyderabad: The American of Indian origin, Nishesh Basavareddy, making his Grand Slam main draw debut as a wildcard entry, put up a spirited fight before bowing out 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 2-6 against World No. 7 Novak Djokovic in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open on Monday.

Nishesh showcased remarkable poise and precision to dominate Djokovic during the early exchanges, winning the first set and holding the upper hand for much of the second.

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His fearless approach earned praise from the tennis legend, who admitted after the match, “He (Nishesh) was a better player for a set and a half. He deserved every bit of applause he got when he left the court.”

Djokovic further lauded Nishesh’s potential, noting, “These matchups are always tricky when you play someone with nothing to lose. He pleasantly surprised me with his shots and fighting spirit. I wish him all the best for the rest of his career,” he said.

A former Stanford University student who turned professional in December 2024, Nishesh quickly made waves on the circuit, winning two titles and reaching four finals last year.

Despite his American upbringing in Carmel, Indiana, Nishesh remains closely connected to his family’s Indian roots in Nellore and Hyderabad. His love for Guntur chili-spiced cuisine and Tollywood movies reflects his enduring bond with Indian culture.

Mentored by doubles specialist Rajeev Ram, the 5-foot-11 agile teenager has been making steady strides in professional tennis. His remarkable debut against a seasoned champion signals a bright future ahead.