The first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open 2025, is just around the corner, with the main tournament starting on Sunday, January 12. Several icons like Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Novak Djokovic are all set to begin the hunt to lift the trophy. A special mention goes to the Serbian legend Djokovic, who has already achieved everything that was there for a Tennis athlete to achieve, but he is still going strong, stronger than ever, and will be aiming to clinch his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
The Serbinator will begin his Australian Open pursuits on Sunday, January 12, where he will be facing Nishesh Basavareddy of the United States. Basavareddy, the Indian-origin tennis standout, has a formidable challenge ahead in the first round itself on Sunday. The 19-year-old has yet to appear in a full ATP Tour season, as he has only turned pro after securing a berth in the Next Gen ATP Finals. On that note, let’s delve deeper and find out more about him.
Who is Nishesh Basavareddy?
Born on May 2, 2005, in Newport Beach, California, Basavareddy is the son of Indian parents, Muralikrishna Basavareddy and Sai Prasanna. His father’s job at Toyota led the family to relocate to Carmel, Indiana, where he was raised. As one of America’s rising tennis stars, Basavareddy earned a reciprocal wildcard entry for the Australian Open 2025, thanks to his remarkable recent performances. Turning professional in December last year, he plays right-handed with a two-handed backhand.
His parents are from India
-Even though raised in the United States, Nishesh Basavareddy’s family has strong roots in India, specifically in Nellore, a city in the state of Andhra Pradesh where his family and relati. Embracing his Indian heritage, Basavareddy is an avid fan of Guntur chili-spiced cuisine and Telugu cinema, popularly known as Tollywood.
Basavareddy’s coach and helping hands behind his rise to the global stage
Standing at 5 ft 10 inches, Nishesh Basavareddy is coached by Bryan Smith, who also coaches legendary American tennis star and former World No. 1 in doubles, Rajeev Ram. Sharing the same coach brought Basavareddy and Ram together, and Ram has been a constant source of support and guidance for the young talent ever since.
