Image courtesy: X
The 2024 tennis season is poised to witness the debut of one of its most promising young talents at the Australian Open: Nishesh Basavareddy, a 19-year-old Indian-American player making waves in the sport. In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Basavareddy opened up about his journey, inspirations, and what it means to compete in his first Grand Slam.
A Year to Remember
For Basavareddy, 2024 has been a breakthrough year. Having already tasted the atmosphere of a Grand Slam during the US Open Qualifiers, he now stands on the threshold of playing in the main draw of the Australian Open, courtesy of a wildcard entry. Reflecting on the moment he secured the wildcard, Basavareddy admitted it was a mix of excitement and relief:
“After the semi-finals, it was just a huge relief to finally get in. It’s my first Grand Slam Major, and I’m really excited.”
Learning from the US Open
Basavareddy’s experience at the US Open Qualifiers, where he narrowly missed out on the main draw, has been instrumental in preparing him for the challenges ahead.
“The US Open was probably the most fun tournament I’ve had in my life. The atmosphere, the home crowd, and even my teammates from Stanford cheering me on made it memorable. Being in the same locker room as top players was eye-opening and will definitely help me at the Australian Open.”
Roots in Tennis
Basavareddy’s journey in tennis began at an early age, inspired by his father and older brother. He picked up a racquet at just three or four years old and has been hooked ever since. Among the players who inspired him, Novak Djokovic holds a special place in his heart.
“He’s been my favorite player since I was young. Watching him play inspired me to dream big in tennis.”
The Impact of Indian Tennis Legends
Basavareddy acknowledges the significant role Indian tennis icons like Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, and Vijay Amritraj have played in inspiring Indian-American players. He also credits Rajeev Ram, a fellow Indian-American and Grand Slam champion, as a mentor who has guided him through his transition from junior to professional tennis.
“Rajeev Ram has been a huge help in my journey. From mentoring me on what to expect on tour to helping me understand how to improve my game, he’s been a great support.”
Image courtesy: X
Training with the Best
In 2023, Basavareddy had the rare opportunity to practice with some of the sport’s biggest names, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev, at the ATP Finals in Turin. This experience gave him valuable insights into what it takes to compete at the highest level.
“What struck me the most was their movement and defense. The way they transition from defense to offense is incredible and showed me areas where I need to improve.”
Tennis Among Indian Americans
For Indian Americans, tennis has emerged as one of the most popular sports, second only to cricket in global popularity among Indians. Basavareddy attributes this trend to players like Rajeev Ram, who have paved the way for more representation in tennis.
“In the US, tennis is definitely the most popular sport in the Indian-American community. A lot of my Indian friends growing up played tennis instead of cricket, which isn’t as prevalent here.”
Goals and Aspirations
For Basavareddy, the Australian Open marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in his career. While he remains focused on enjoying the experience, he has clear short- and long-term goals:
- Short-term: Qualify for the Jeddah Championships and gain experience in professional tennis.
- Long-term: Break into the top 100 rankings and steadily climb higher.
“For the Australian Open, I just want to really enjoy my first Grand Slam, get ready for three-out-of-five-set tennis, and build my physical strength in the off-season.”
Dream Matches
When asked about his dream opponents, Basavareddy didn’t hesitate:
“Playing Nadal at the French Open would be incredible. And facing Djokovic would be another dream match. It would be amazing to compete against legends like them.”
Looking Ahead
As he prepares for his Australian Open debut, Nishesh Basavareddy embodies the spirit of a new generation of tennis players—talented, determined, and ready to make their mark. With a solid foundation built on hard work, mentorship, and inspiration from tennis greats, Basavareddy is poised to represent the Indian-American community on the global tennis stage.
His journey is just beginning, and fans can’t wait to see him in action at Melbourne Park in January. As Nishesh himself said:
“I just want to go out there, enjoy the moment, and give it my all.”
(This is an exclusive story done by Firstpost)
