Multiple Australian Open champions Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka played at Rod Laver Arena on Monday night. Novak and Naomi passed difficult opponents and made a winning start at the first Major of the season.
Novak took down the young American Nishesh Basavareddy and scored a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory in two hours and 59 minutes. Djokovic survived an early scare and seized control from the second set. Osaka stepped onto Rod Laver Arena after Novak and Nishesh.
The Japanese defeated Caroline Garcia in three sets after a massive battle. Osaka praised Basavareddy and admitted his performance against Djokovic inspired her to push hard in her duel. Naomi liked Nishesh’s calmness and fighting spirit despite cramps.
Nishesh Basavareddy takes the opening set against Novak Djokovic! 😱
What a moment for the 19-year-old! 👏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/NTKLwJSb4b
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 13, 2025
Novak also had nice words for the young gun, wishing him all the best in the future. Nishesh earned his Australian Open invitation after winning the USTA Australian Open Wild Card Challenge.
He used it with both hands and gathered massive experience against the greatest player of all time. Djokovic left an early setback behind and served well in the remaining sets, firing 23…
