As the 2025 Australian Open gets into full swing, all tennis eyes are going to be trained on one of the more scintillating pairings on offer in the Round of 128: a 10-time Australian Open champion in Novak Djokovic lining up across talented, ambitious young American Nishesh Basavareddy making his maiden Grand Slam start. This is a match between two worlds: one is the dominance of an experienced champion, and the other is the hunger of a rising star to leave his mark on the biggest stage of tennis. Will Djokovic reestablish his supremacy after a poor start to the year, or will Basavareddy rise to the occasion and cause a stunning upset?
Claim Welcome BonusNovak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic comes into this match as the undisputed favorite. This world No. 7-ranked Serbian legend boasts an incredible career highlighted by 99 titles and an astonishing 10 Australian Open victories. In addition, it has placed him in tennis history as he masters hard courts here in Melbourne, where his last win came in 2023.
But 2025 hasn't got off to the best start for him. An early season record of 2-1 winner/loser gave way to a surprise straight-set defeat at the hands of Riley Opelka last week. His reputation will count for little unless he can pick up his rhythm and shake off any remaining doubt if he's going to go on another deep run at his most successful Slam.
That kind of relentless return game and the ability to rise to occasions make him an overwhelming force of nature, particularly in these early-round matches. Djokovic will likely look to his deep wells of experience and an immaculate baseline game to control the match against his opponent.
Nishesh Basavareddy
Nishesh Basavareddy: The name may ring in your ears as the next big thing in tennis. Ranked No. 133, this 19-year-old American leads the pack of the next generation of talent eager to take on the elite in the sport. This is his first appearance at the Australian Open, though Basavareddy's all-solid baseline game and mental resilience are worth noting.
Basavareddy has some statistical promise. A 72% success rate on first serve points illustrates the fact that he can win key points on serve. However, a much weaker return game, 23% first serve return points, and lack of experience at this level will be huge hurdles. Following a 0-1 start to 2025, Basavareddy is thrown into the deep end against one of the all-time greats.
At least for the young American, it would more be about learning and exposure than the improbable victory. Nevertheless, his fearless attitude and high tennis IQ might help him trouble Djokovic in moments.
Expert Betting Tips
With his unparalleled return skills, consistency, and experience on the Australian Open stage, the expectations are entirely tilted toward a Djokovic victory. Basavareddy might be talented, but keeping pace with Djokovic's physicality and tactical superiority is likely beyond him.
Key factors:
Djokovic’s Return Game: The Serbian excels at neutralizing big serves, which could put immense pressure on Basavareddy’s service games.
Basavareddy's nerves: Playing for the first time on such a big stage, he was likely to make unforced errors and lose focus because of Djokovic's non-stop pressure.
Momentum: Djokovic's shaky start to the season might leave some room for Basavareddy to test the waters, but the Serbian's ability to adapt mid-match should prove decisive.
- Nishesh Basavareddy Wins a Set No @ 1.41 Odds
- First Set score 6-2 @ 5.5 Odds
- Total 3 Sets @ 1.40 Odds
Other predictions
