Nishesh Basavareddy will take on the legendary Novak Djokovic in the first round of his inaugural Australian Open - and the challenge has him pretty excited.

Indian-origin American tennis player Nishesh Basavareddy is just 19 years old and is yet to play a full ATP Tour season. He has suddenly gained popularity after he was drawn to play 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the opening round of the Australian Open.

Australian Open begins January 12 in Melbourne, and the draws for the men’s and women’s singles are intriguing — and have thrown up some blockbuster first-round matches. The Athletic’s tennis writers,

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is set to face American youngster Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open. The 19-year-old Basavareddy is of Indian origin, with his parents coming from Nellore in India.

Novak Djokovic's former rival-turned-coach Andy Murray does not want the Serbian to suppress his emotions on court and is even willing to be the target of any angry outbursts as long as the 24-times major winner gives his all at the Australian Open.

- Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor during the Davis Cup final tennis match between Netherlands and Italy at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain,

Novak Djokovic now knows who he will face in his Australian Open first-round clash – and the tennis great certainly faces an intriguing test. Nishesh Basavareddy may not be a name that is yet familiar to all,