Melbourne Park king Novak Djokovic kicked off his campaign for an 11th Australian Open title with a hard-fought first round win over 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy. In a match that lasted just under three hours, Djokovic recovered from a difficult start to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory and record his 95th victory at the first Grand Slam of the year.
The showdown at Rod Laver Arena was not the routine opener many had anticipated. Basavareddy, making his Grand Slam debut, stunned the crowd by winning the first set against the 24-time Grand Slam champion. It was a fearless display from the American teenager, who came close to becoming the first teenager to defeat Djokovic in a major tournament.
Basavareddy’s bold departure shakes Djokovic
From the start, Basavareddy showed off his aggressive baseline game, taking risks and refusing to be intimidated by the legend on the other side of the net. Djokovic, uncharacteristically listless in the first set, struggled to find his rhythm.
The teenager saved a break point in three separate service games, taking advantage of Djokovic’s unstable play. A blistering comeback winner in the seventh game gave Basavareddy the decisive break, and he held his nerve to win the first set 6-4 in just under 50 minutes. The crowd exploded with support for the young underdog, sensing a possible upset.
Djokovic returns with experience
However, Djokovic showed why he is the greatest player Melbourne has ever seen. The Serb mentally reset and raised his level in the second set, serving more effectively and dictating points with precision. Basavareddy, meanwhile, began to feel the physical weight of competing with Djokovic.
A crucial mistake on Basavareddy’s forehand gave Djokovic a break in the eighth game. Djokovic consolidated his lead and sealed the second set 6-3, leveling the match and extinguishing the teenager’s early momentum.
The turning point: Djokovic takes control
With the second set in his pocket, Djokovic strengthened his grip on the match. Basavareddy faltered early in the third set, committing a double fault that gave Djokovic a break in the first game. From there, Djokovic displayed his legendary consistency, holding his serve with ease and forcing errors from his opponent.
-Basavareddy fought valiantly, even threatening Djokovic’s serve in the fourth game of the final set, but the Serbian star remained unyielding. Djokovic saved a break point and then piled on the pressure, breaking Basavareddy at zero to secure a comfortable 4-1 lead.
Victory Sealed Amid Basavareddy’s Brave Effort
Despite trailing in the fourth set, Basavareddy refused to surrender. Serving at 1-5 to stay in the match, the teenager saved two match points in an impressive display of courage, receiving a well-deserved ovation from the Melbourne crowd.
However, Djokovic was relentless. Serving for the match at 5-2, he kept his cool and converted his second match point, securing his place in the second round of the Australian Open for the 18th consecutive time.
What are the next steps for Djokovic and Basavareddy?
Djokovic’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity once again confirmed his status as tournament favorite. With his sights set on a record 11th title in Melbourne, Djokovic will look to capitalize on this hard-fought victory as the competition heats up.
As for Basavareddy, the 19-year-old’s fearless performance against the sport’s ultimate competitor has marked his name as one to watch out for in the years to come. His debut may have ended in defeat, but his calm and power left an indelible impression.
