The rising ATP star, Nishesh Basavareddy, is making waves in the tennis world. After lifting his first ATP Challenger Tour trophy in Tiburon, California, in October 2024, he clinched his second title in Puerto Vallarta just a month later. Things are looking bright for this young athlete, who began his journey inspired by top ATP star Carlos Alcaraz back in 2019. Now, he’s gearing up to face the big guns in 2025!

According to tennis journalist Jose Morgado on X, the Australian Open main draw wild cards list has been updated! Joining three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka, Basavareddy’s name shines on the list. Other notable names include Tristan Schoolkate, Li Na, Max McCabe, Samrej, and Lucas Pouille. With just one more spot left, excitement is building as the wild card list nears completion.

A wild card entry for the Australian Open is a significant achievement. It grants players an invitation to participate in the tournament, even if they lack the ranking to qualify automatically. This opportunity is monumental for Basavareddy. At just 19 years of age and ranked No. 138 in the ATP standings, he previously played in the qualifying draw at the 2024 US Open and is now set to make his Grand Slam debut.

But Basavareddy’s 2024 season isn’t over yet! He has qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals, scheduled from December 18-22 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is the seventh player to qualify for this prestigious 20-and-under event after several impressive performances this year. With two Challenger Tour titles under his belt and two additional finals since October, Basavareddy is ready to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.

Basavareddy recently spoke up about how the legend Novak Djokovic has deeply influenced his style.

Young star says he’s picked up on the GOAT’s playing style 

Nishesh Basavareddy joined The Changeover Podcast to discuss how emulating Novak Djokovic has fueled his success on the court. This teenage ATP sensation is a two-time ITA All-American champion and has qualified for the ATP Next Gen Accelerator in both of his collegiate years. Excitingly, he announced on Instagram that he is finally going pro. “Since I started playing tennis at three years old, it’s been my dream to be a pro tennis player. Thanks to the support from my friends, family, coaches, Stanford family, and the USTA, I can live out my childhood dream,” he shared.

Basavareddy’s playstyle often draws comparisons to a 24-time Grand Slam winner. In a recent podcast, he shared how he has closely followed Djokovic since childhood. “Yeah, when I was younger I used to try to like copy his serve and stuff which maybe when I was younger his serve wasn’t as good to that probably wasn’t the best thing,” he admitted. Basavareddy emphasized the importance of taking the ball early and using all parts of the court, stating, “I was never going to be the guy that’s going to like overpower someone or serve big.”

His oach Paul Goldstein expressed immense pride in Basavareddy’s journey. “Nishesh is a special young man whose successes on the tennis court are a tribute to his unique talent, highly disciplined work ethic, and sheer passion for our sport,” Goldstein stated. He praised Basavareddy’s character and dedication and also emphasized how much support the youngster has received from his family and community at Stanford. 

Now as Basavareddy prepares for the Australian Open in 2025, do you think he can showcase the skills that could potentially mirror Djokovic’s legacy in the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below!