Melbourne [Australia]: Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic began a new chapter in his illustrious career, partnering with former rival Andy Murray as his coach, and secured a hard-fought victory against USA’s Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday.
Djokovic, who is chasing his 11th Australian Open title, a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, and his 100th ATP Tour-level title, overcame an initial setback to defeat Basavareddy 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in a grueling match lasting nearly three hours.
A New Partnership with Andy Murray
The match marked the debut of Djokovic’s collaboration with Murray, his former on-court rival turned coach. Speaking about the partnership, Djokovic said, “It is all business now for us. I am thrilled to have him in my corner. It was a little strange to see him courtside in my box after playing against him for over 20 years. But it’s great to have him on the same side of the net.”
He credited Murray with offering crucial advice mid-match, adding, “He gave me some great advice during the match. It’s been a fantastic experience having him in my team, and I hope we don’t stop here.”
Match Highlights
Basavareddy, a young and fearless opponent, started strong, winning a challenging first set and pushing Djokovic to his limits. However, the Serbian legend found his rhythm as the match progressed, showcasing his trademark resilience. Djokovic converted all three break points and capitalized on Basavareddy’s struggle with consistency after the second set.
The American player, who impressed with his fearless approach and versatile shots, required a medical timeout after the second set, giving Djokovic the opportunity to dominate the remainder of the match.
Praise for Nishesh Basavareddy
Djokovic was generous in his praise for Basavareddy, saying, “He was the better player for a set and a half, and he deserved every bit of applause. It was a great performance. Matches like these are tricky because players like him have nothing to lose. He surprised me with his range of shots until the very end. I wish him the best for the future.”
Looking Ahead
The seventh-seeded Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles in his career, will face qualifier Jaime Faria in the second round as he continues his pursuit of further glory at the Australian Open.