Novak Djokovic is the face of tennis, but Nishesh Basavareddy uses his idol’s face as his WhatsApp profile picture.
The 20-year-old US tennis player was dealt a tough hand at his Australian Open debut back in January, being drawn against 24-time major Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic.
Basavreddy won hearts all around tennis when he won his first set against Djokovic at the 2025 Australian OpenGettyHowever, he won hearts when he managed to win the first set against his idol, before Djokovic roared back for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
Immediately following the contest, Djokovic praised the play from his younger opponent – at the time a teenager making his main draw Grand Slam debut.
“He was a better player for the first set and a half, and he deserves every bit of applause that he got,” Djokovic said about Basavareddy.
“Very complete player. He did very pleasantly surprise me with all of his shots and his fighting spirit toward the end.”
The 37-year-old was made aware that his opponent’s WhatsApp profile picture was of him, which left the Serbian almost lost for words.
“I don’t know what to say to that, to be honest. I obviously try not to think about those particular things when I am on the court,” Djokovic said via TNT Sports. “But I do appreciate the support, and appreciation, if that’s how I’m supposed to get that.”
Following on, Djokovic went on to speak very highly of the teenager, and believes that he has a big future ahead of him.
“He’s a nice boy. He’s a teenager still. I think if he keeps going this way, honestly, as I said, he didn’t get carried away by the significance of the moment.
“It’s not easy stepping out onto centre court for the first time, and handling the nerves and all. He’s handled himself really, really well, so I’m sure we’ll see a lot of him in the future.”
Basavareddy earned entry into the Australian Open as a man draw wildcard after his run to the semi-final at the ATP 250 in Auckland, where he came up against – and lost to – French veteran, Gael Monfils.
Djokovic is Basavareddy’s tennis idol, and he has the Serbian as his WhatsApp profile pictureAFP Basavareddy’s coach Bryan Smith has also coached former Doubles World No. 1 Rajeev Ram (pictured)GettyNow, the 20-year-old will wear white on the court having secured Wimbledon qualification for the very first time.
He was handed entry into the grass-court Slam following the withdrawal of China’s Shang Juncheng due to a foot injury.
His first-round opponent has been confirmed as fellow American, Learner Tien, whose name is a tribute to his mother’s career as a teacher.
Like his Wimbledon opponent, Tien has also made some noise himself going into the Slam, after he beat world No. 10 Ben Shelton at the Mallorca Championships.
The par will face off on Court 6 among the early starters on Monday’s first day of play at the All England Club.
Born in 2005, and of Indian descent, Basavareddy started playing tennis at the age of three, and attended Stanford University before forgoing his NCAA eligibility in order to officially turn pro at the end of 2024.
This came after he won two challenger titles, and became World No. 139.
Currently, Basavareddy is being coached by Bryan Smith, who has also coached former World No. 1 in doubles, Rajeev Ram since he was a teenager.
Ram, who has shone on the doubles circuit throughout his career, has won 31 career titles, including the 2020 Australian Open, and three straight US Open titles from 2021-2023.
Furthermore, Ram is also a two-time Australian Open mixed doubles champion, winning in 2019 and 2021 with Barbora Krejčíková, bringing his total career Grand Slam victories to six.
Having helped add two Olympic silver medals to Ram’s resume, he was runner-up in the Mixed Doubles at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, and the Men’s Doubles at the 2024 Paris Games, Smith has shown that he certainly has the elite calibre to coach at the very top level.
Now, his task is to implement his formula for success and help the rising star reach his maximum potential.
He has already helped Basavareddy to win the Boys’ Doubles title at the 2022 US Open alongside Ozan Baris
With Ram also there to mentor the young tennis star, and possessing the experience of having won titles in his own career as a pro, Basavareddy could not have a better support system around him as he continues to develop his craft.
The next task on the agenda: to coach/mentor the 20-year-old to victory in his first ever match at the iconic Wimbledon.
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