Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s collaboration on the court made waves at the Australian Open, drawing excitement from fans. While their partnership was a major talking point, another significant storyline unfolded as Nishesh Basavareddy made his tournament debut and surprised everyone by taking the first set against Djokovic. Although Djokovic ultimately rallied to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2, the young challenger made a lasting impression.
The atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena was electrifying as the 19-year-old Basavareddy displayed impressive skill, briefly raising the possibility of a monumental upset. Djokovic praised the rookie in his post-match interview, calling him a “very complete player” and expressing admiration for his variety of shots.
The match also marked Andy Murray’s first outing as Djokovic’s coach, a partnership that began in November 2024. Speaking about the match, journalist Jon Wertheim humorously dubbed their collaboration “Djokerray” on the Served podcast with Andy Roddick. He noted that the initial scare caused by Basavareddy highlighted the unpredictability of tennis. “For about an hour, people thought we might be witnessing an incredible upset, but Novak showed why he’s a 24-time Grand Slam champion,” Wertheim said.
For Basavareddy, the match was a significant milestone. Having started the season strong by reaching the semifinals in Auckland, he now heads to future events with the confidence of having challenged one of the sport’s greatest players on such a grand stage. Meanwhile, Djokovic advances in his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title, eager to rebound from a winless 2024 season—his first since 2005.
Murray, who missed Djokovic’s season opener in Brisbane due to a skiing trip, has expressed optimism about their partnership. He believes Djokovic has the potential to solidify his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time, particularly if he continues to win Grand Slam titles into his late 30s. Reflecting on his coaching role, Murray described the experience as both fascinating and demanding, acknowledging the challenges of working with someone as intense and driven as Djokovic.
The match highlighted the challenges and rewards of their new partnership. While Djokovic admitted that a “drama-free” Grand Slam is unlikely for him, both he and Murray are determined to make this collaboration a success. The next few rounds will be crucial as Djokovic aims to secure another Australian Open title and strengthen his legacy.
Was Djokovic’s early struggle against Basavareddy a sign of a new era in tennis, or just a rare moment of vulnerability? Fans are divided, but the match certainly set the tone for an exciting tournament ahead.