In January 2025, Novak Djokovic will play his twentieth Australian Open. In May 2025, Nishesh Basavareddy will be just 20 years old. Despite these differences, the two will meet in the first round of this year’s first Grand Slam.

Welcome to the big time, boy.

Ways to Melbourne

Djokovic takes his well-trodden path to Melbourne Park. He is ranked No. 7 and is the most decorated active male tennis player in the world. The 10-time Australian Open champion won his first title a few months before Basavareddy’s… 3rd birthday!

As a 2024 semi-finalist and current world No. 7, Djokovic didn’t need any help to qualify for his place in the tournament.

In stark contrast, the American teenager arrives in Melbourne as the first entry into the Grand Slam main draw. After an outstanding performance in the fall of 2024, Basavarreddy turned professional and accepted a wildcard entry into this year’s event.

More about Basavareddy

As a world superstar, Djokovic has been in the public eye for decades. Basavareddy’s fame, if one can still call it that, has been around for a few months now.

A student at Stanford University and an amateur player for most of 2024, the teenager found great success at the Challenger level of the professional game in the fall of 2024. He reached three Challenger finals and won titles at both the Tiburon and Puerta Vallarata events.

The American sensation followed up his Challenger-level success by turning pro in December and accepting a place in the 2024 NextGen Finals, where he went 1-2 in group play.

In Oceania

Basavareddy is now among the top 150 in the world and started the 2025 season by qualifying and taking part in two ATP 250 events.

At the Brisbane International he was eliminated in the first round. After this debut he made it to the semi-finals of the ASB Classic in Auckland. Coincidentally, he was eliminated in both competitions by French veteran Gael Monfils.

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Contrast in the first round

Basavareddy brings three match wins at ATP level to Melbourne. Djokovic has an impressive record of 1,126 match wins at ATP level. Djokovic’s career prize money exceeds $185 million, Basavareddy’s not even close to $1 million.

But age and statistics don’t count on the courts at a Grand Slam. The first man or boy to win three sets advances to the second round. Time to play.

Main photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports