In his first-round match at the 2025 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, seeded seventh, battled American wild card Nishesh Basavareddy to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win.

The match was played in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the iconic Rod Laver Arena, where Djokovic had high praise for his young opponent, who was making his Grand Slam debut.

Basavareddy Impresses Djokovic and the Crowd

After the match, Djokovic expressed his admiration for the 19-year-old Basavareddy, noting the great performance he had delivered.

“I was really impressed by him,” Djokovic said. “I think the whole stadium was too.

That’s why he got such a great round of applause and appreciation from the crowd.”

Djokovic highlighted Basavareddy’s fighting spirit and skill, which he felt was evident throughout the match.

“Huge credit to him for stepping out in his Grand Slam debut, especially playing on such a big stage.

If he keeps going like this, we’ll definitely see a lot of him in the future.”

Djokovic Reflects on His Own Performance

Turning the focus to his own performance, Djokovic was candid about the challenges he faced during the match. “I didn’t start really well,” he admitted.

“The first set I lost, and I had opportunities to come back towards the end of it.

But I was probably a bit too passive from the back of the court, and he was dictating the play.”

However, Djokovic made key adjustments in the second set.

“At 4-3 in the second set, I played a great game. That crucial break helped shift the momentum in my favor.”

He went on to praise his serving, noting that while some moments worked well, others were inconsistent.

“It was a bit up and down, but I managed to find my rhythm eventually.”

A New Coaching Partnership with Andy Murray

One of the standout aspects of Djokovic’s game this year is his new coaching arrangement with former world No. 1 Andy Murray.

Djokovic shared his excitement about having Murray in his corner.

“I really like having Andy as my coach this year.

It’s been great to have him there, offering feedback and guidance during the match,” Djokovic said.

He elaborated on the significance of having Murray’s input. “He knows tennis as well as anybody.

He’s a legend of the sport, and he understands the mental and physical challenges we go through on the court.”

Appreciating Murray’s Support

Djokovic also acknowledged the emotional and psychological support Murray provided throughout the match. “I really appreciated his support today.

He was standing up, encouraging me, and offering me the emotional boost I needed.”

Reflecting further, Djokovic explained how valuable it is to learn from Murray, both on and off the court.

“I enjoy spending time with him, talking tennis, picking his brain about how he sees the game,” he shared.

“He constantly asks me how I’m feeling and what I’m going through—it’s been very insightful.”

Looking Ahead to the Future

As Djokovic and Murray’s partnership unfolds, fans are eager to see how it will influence Djokovic’s performance over the course of the 2025 Australian Open.

With Murray’s experience and expertise, it could add a new dimension to Djokovic’s game as he looks to add another Grand Slam title to his impressive career.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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