Melbourne, Jan 13 (Reporter) Novak Djokovic, the ten-time champion at Melbourne Park, advanced to the second round of the Australian Open 2025 with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over 19-year-old American-Indian wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy on Monday night. However, it was the young Basavareddy, not Djokovic, who left an indelible mark on the match despite the loss. Basavareddy, ranked No.107, shocked the tennis world by taking the opening set from the Serbian legend. The teenager’s unwavering focus and extraordinary shot-making ability showcased a maturity beyond his years. Basavareddy broke Djokovic’s serve in the seventh game of the first set, holding his own with a poise typically seen in seasoned professionals. While Djokovic regrouped in the second set, it was the sheer quality of Basavareddy’s game that captivated the spectators. The American-Indian wildcard, making his Grand Slam debut, displayed impressive resilience and technical skill. His ability to redirect Djokovic's pace and return serve with precision caught the eye of both the spectators and his illustrious opponent, who acknowledged the challenge presented by the young star. As the match wore on, Basavareddy’s physical challenges began to surface. Struggling with cramping in his left leg after a medical timeout during the third set, his movement became compromised. Yet, the teenager continued to fight valiantly, pushing through the discomfort. Djokovic, however, took full advantage of Basavareddy's physical decline, breaking serve early in both the third and fourth sets, securing the victory after nearly three hours. Despite the defeat, Basavareddy’s performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most compelling stories of the tournament’s opening round. His ability to go toe-to-toe with a player of Djokovic’s calibre not only showcased his immense talent but also suggested that the 19-year-old has a promising future in the sport. The match also marked a significant moment in Djokovic’s career, as it was his first Grand Slam appearance with Andy Murray as his coach. The partnership already appears to be bearing fruit, with Djokovic acknowledging the advice his long-time rival provided during the match. The experience of having Murray courtside was described by Djokovic as "strange but enjoyable," a sentiment that reflects the evolving dynamics between the two. Djokovic will face Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in the second round. With his eyes set firmly on a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, Djokovic’s path to the next round has been secured, though the performance of Basavareddy will undoubtedly be remembered as the true highlight of the night. The near three-hour battle not only displayed Djokovic’s resilience but also underscored the rise of a new young talent in Basavareddy, whose spirited display left the Melbourne spectators and tennis observers alike eagerly anticipating what the future holds for him...////...