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Photograph: (Twitter)
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic began his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a resounding victory against Nishesh Basavareddy in the opening thriller of the 2025 Australian Open. The Serbian ace lost in the first set but came behind to defeat the Indian-origin-born player by 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, and 6-2 to make it to the second round of the showpiece event.
Novak Djokovic after beating Basavareddy at Australian Open
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 13, 2025
“He was a better player for a set and a half. He deserved every bit of applause he got when he left the court. To be honest I’ve never seen him play up until 3 or 4 days ago. I didn’t know much about him. These matchups… pic.twitter.com/Uq5lJtXDXx
In the same vein, Djokovic's coach, Andy Murray, said that he thinks his coaching might help the Serbian legend cement his name as the best athlete of all time. Andy Murray, who joined his former great rival's coaching team in November 2024, months after retiring as a player, admitted the change of the dynamics was strange at first. The two-time Wimbledon champion must be ecstatic about the way Novak Djokovic marks his thrilling comeback in the first round of the Australian Open 2025.
Praise doesn't get much higher 🤝@DjokerNole is full of admiration for Nishesh following their first round encounter 🫡#AusOpen • #AO2025pic.twitter.com/mIDltHGWfD
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025
Djokovic d. Basavareddy 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 at Australian Open
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 13, 2025
Strong effort from 19 year old Nishesh.
But Novak rebounded with all the experience & grit of a man who’s won this thing a record 10 times.
Like playing in his backyard.
🇷🇸 pic.twitter.com/YpQL4QbsBt
It's worth mentioning that Novak Djokovic had a horrendous 2024 year and failed to win any Grand Slam due to the dominance of young tennis stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. However, the Serbian legend won the gold medal in the Paris Olympics 2024 after toppling Carlos in the summit clash.
Novak Djokovic gets his first win with Andy Murray in the stands as his coach.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 13, 2025
Iconic. pic.twitter.com/F06dGad83P
Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray pair debuts with win at 2025 Australian Open
Novak Djokovic spoke about working with Andy Murray as his coach after winning his first round at Australian Open
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 13, 2025
“It was a bit of a strange experience to have him court side in my box. We played for over 20 years against each other at the highest level. Great to have him on the… pic.twitter.com/1dXDEAuayh
“It was a bit of a strange experience to have him courtside in my box. We played for over 20 years against each other at the highest level. Great to have him on the same side of the net. He gave me great advice mid-match. It’s good we have an opportunity now to have allowed coaching on the same side. It’s a completely different angle when you’re watching from the side. He’s been doing really well. It’s been an enjoyable experience. Hopefully, we don’t stop here," Novak Djokovic said after the win.