Nishesh Basavareddy, a rising star in American tennis, is being hailed as a potential successor to Novak Djokovic. A standout athlete at Stanford, Basavareddy boasts an impressive record, including two ITA titles, and his performance on the court has drawn attention not only for his skill but also for his resemblance to Djokovic’s playstyle. In a recent podcast, the young ATP player opened up about how his admiration for Djokovic has influenced his game, helping him carve a path in professional tennis.
Basavareddy recently appeared on The Changeover Podcast, where he discussed the role Djokovic has played in shaping his approach to the sport. As a teenager, Basavareddy has already achieved significant milestones, being a two-time ITA All-American champion and qualifying for the ATP Next Gen Accelerator in consecutive years. In a notable development, he announced his decision to turn professional on social media. In his post, he expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his family, friends, coaches, Stanford community, and the USTA. “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. With that being said, I will be forgoing my NCAA eligibility to play pro tennis. Looking forward to what the future holds,” he wrote.
Many have noticed similarities between Basavareddy’s playstyle and that of the 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic. The young player delved into this connection during the podcast, explaining how he has emulated aspects of Djokovic’s game since childhood. “When I was younger, I used to try to copy his serve and stuff. Maybe when I was younger, his serve wasn’t as good, so that probably wasn’t the best thing, but he’s been my favorite player since I was growing up,” he said. Basavareddy also shared that he initially believed he wouldn’t have the physical stature to overpower opponents but learned to adapt by focusing on ball placement, movement, and versatility—qualities he attributes to studying Djokovic’s game. “It was always important to take the ball early, move the ball around, and do different things. I was never going to be the guy that’s going to overpower someone or serve big,” he explained. By closely observing Djokovic’s ability to use the entire court and redirect opponents’ pace, Basavareddy has honed an all-around game that emphasizes strategy and adaptability.
In addition to his achievements on the court, Basavareddy has earned praise from his Stanford coach, Paul Goldstein. Speaking about his protégé, Goldstein highlighted the young player’s dedication and potential. “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. More importantly, he and his family are thoughtful, gracious, and wonderful people,” Goldstein said. He also emphasized the pride and support of the Stanford community for Basavareddy as he embarks on his professional career.
As one of only three Americans since 1978 to achieve more than 40 wins in a single Challenger season, Basavareddy’s track record underscores his potential. While comparisons to Djokovic are lofty, his relentless work ethic, versatility, and passion for tennis suggest he could emerge as a future star in the sport. His journey is just beginning, and the tennis fraternity will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if he can truly become a successor to one of the game’s greatest legends.