MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — That of Novak Djokovic first match with an old rival Andy Murray because his coach didn’t start very well, even against a 19-year-old making his Grand Slam debut.
However, after losing his first set at Australian Open 2025 Monday night against Nishesh Basavareddy, an American who left Stanford University and turned professional last month, Djokovic finally prevailed for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory for begin his quest for an 11th championship at Melbourne Park and a record 25th major title overall.
“I’m obviously excited to have him in my corner,” Djokovic said of Murray. “I have to say it was a bit of a strange experience having him pitchside in my dressing room. We have played against each other for over 20 years at the highest level. Great to have him on the same side of the net. He gave me good advice mid-match.
Before heading to Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic and Murray chatted in the gymnasium. They ended the conversation with a fist bump, before Djokovic jumped on the treadmill to warm up.
During the match, apart from a long conversation before the fourth set, there was only occasional interaction between player and coach – a duet between 37-year-old players born a week apart and opponents from 12 years old, including in a series of Grand Slam finals as professionals. Murray retired at the Paris Olympic Games in August; Djokovic offered to team up in November.
As a player, Murray was known for his mid-match drama, his many gesticulations and mutterings, often directed at those around him. Djokovic does the same.
Djokovic showed some of his usual fire when that vital break came after an hour and a half. He watched 107th-ranked Basavareddy’s forehand land wide and let out a scream, clenched his fist and pointed a finger to his ear. It was the beginning of the end for Basavareddy, who began moving gingerly between points and clutching his legs, and took a medical timeout before the third set.
On a busy and warm second day, which included nine Grand Slam champions with a total of 43 major trophies in action, as well as half a dozen finalist players, winners included No. 2 Iga Swiatek, No. 3 Coco Gauff, No. 7 Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka for women, and No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz for men.
Osaka, who has won two of her four major titles in Australia, beat Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in Monday’s final match at Rod Laver Arena.
Notable outings include two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, 2017 Roland-Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, double major finalist. Ostapenko’s 6-3, 7-6 (6) loss came to Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, who is ranked outside the top 400 after returning from maternity leave in October .
Also unique, but not so surprising: Nick Kyrgioswho lost to Djokovic in Wimbledon 2022 final and played one game in the last two seasons due to injuries. Kyrgios suffered from an abdominal muscle strain before this week and was beaten by Jacob Fearnley 7-6 (3), 6-3, 7-6 (2).
“Sorry about Nick,” said Fearnley, a 23-year-old Scot who played college tennis at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. “I could tell he was dealing with some things.”
The intensity and physicality of the points against Djokovic wore on Basavareddy. Another key: Djokovic’s backhand progressed more quickly in the second set, while Basavareddy’s shots from that wing slowed down. And one more: Djokovic had 23 aces.
At 3 all, half an hour later, Basavareddy took the lead by breaking Djokovic with a backhand return winner. Very quickly, this set belonged to the youngster, who does not hesitate to say that the Serbian is his favorite player. Basavareddy showed excellent touch with drop shots and lob winners, while hanging on to the baseline with consummate baseline.
“Very complete player,” Djokovic said. “He surprised me very pleasantly with all his shots and his fighting spirit towards the end.”
They are currently separated by exactly 100 places in the ATP rankings. The gap is of course much wider when it comes to experience and achievements.
This result left Basavareddy’s career record in Grand Slam tournaments at 0–1; its touring debut didn’t take place until December. Djokovic, meanwhile, won his record 378th major tournament victory on Monday; he has not lost in the first round since dropping out at this stage of his first two Australian Opens in 2005 and 2006.
“He didn’t get carried away by the importance of the moment,” Djokovic said of Basavareddy. “I’m sure we’ll see a lot of him in the future.”
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Howard Fendrich has been the AP’s tennis editor since 2002. Find his stories here: https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich. More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
