Indian-American tennis player Nishesh Basavareddy is preparing to make his US Open main draw debut as a local wildcard, set to compete on the hallowed courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Ranked World No. 109, Basavareddy will enjoy the home crowd support, but the passionate Indian diaspora will also rally behind one of their own.
From challenging Djokovic in Melbourne to US Open aspirations
Basavareddy gained global attention eight months ago during his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open, where he faced 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic. Despite the daunting task, the 5’11” youngster impressed fans by taking the opening set of the match at Rod Laver Arena, though Djokovic eventually won in four sets.
Reflecting on the match, Basavareddy noted the physical challenge posed by Djokovic’s aggressive play, saying, “I covered twice as much distance as him… I started cramping up a little bit for a couple of games. He did a good job moving me around.” This trial by fire taught him valuable lessons about the stamina and mental toughness required at the highest level.
Roots and early days: The Indian-American journey
Basavareddy’s parents emigrated from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, to the United States in 1999 due to his father’s job. Nishesh was born six years later in Newport Beach, California. Watching his father and older brother play tennis recreationally sparked his interest in the sport at age five.
The family later moved to Carmel, Indiana, where he trained under coach Bryan Smith. It was here that Basavareddy connected with former doubles World No. 1 and Indiana native Rajeev Ram, who has been a significant mentor. Ram was even present courtside during the Melbourne match against Djokovic.
Overcoming injuries and rising through junior ranks
Basavareddy’s path to success was marked by resilience. A series of knee injuries threatened to derail his progress. At age 11, he suffered a dislocated kneecap with cartilage damage, sidelining him for six to seven months. Later, two meniscus tears required surgeries keeping him out for over a year.
Despite these setbacks, Basavareddy remained committed, using practice, strength training, and sheer mental grit to recover. His efforts paid off: he reached a career-high junior ranking of World No. 3 and won the junior US Open men’s doubles title in 2022.
Transition to the senior circuit and challenger success
Basavareddy’s transition to professional tennis included notable success on the ATP Challenger Tour, the stepping stone to the main ATP Tour. In 2024, he won two Challenger titles and finished runner-up in four others, showing consistent form.
These results earned him a spot in the prestigious Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, competing alongside top young talents worldwide. Reflecting on the tournament, he said, “It was really cool… I thought a lot of them would do well, but I didn’t expect all of us to have such great results.” Among his peers, players like Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik have since made major breakthroughs, confirming the quality of competition.
Promising 2025 season and upcoming challenges
The early part of the 2025 season showed promise as Basavareddy qualified for ATP 250 events in Brisbane and Auckland, reaching semifinals in New Zealand, becoming the youngest American to do so since Reilly Opelka in 2016.
However, a main draw victory at the ATP level eluded him for six months. He briefly entered the Top 100 but failed to qualify directly for the US Open cut-off, leading to his wildcard entry.
Based on his recent form, especially getting a big win at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 event, Basavareddy aims to make a significant impact at the US Open. His ability to handle pressure will be tested if he faces another top star like Djokovic, likely on the famed Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
Words of inspiration: “Pressure is a privilege”
Basavareddy acknowledges the expectations and pressures of the stage ahead. Yet, as he prepares to step onto the court at Flushing Meadows, the words of legendary tennis player Billie Jean King will welcome him: “Pressure is a privilege.” These words symbolize the honor of competing among the world’s best and motivate him to perform at his highest level.
A beacon for Indian-American tennis
Nishesh Basavareddy’s story represents a beacon of hope and pride for Indian-American tennis fans and the broader diaspora. From humble beginnings in California and Indiana to challenging one of the greats in Melbourne and now debuting at the US Open, his journey exemplifies talent, hard work, and resilience.
With the strong backing of both American fans and the Indian diaspora, Basavareddy’s US Open debut promises to be a highlight for tennis enthusiasts rooting for the next generation of stars.
