Novak Djokovic floored by question after Australian Open win – ‘I don’t know what to say’ | Tennis | Sport

Novak Djokovic was stunned by an unusual question he received during his on-court interview at the Australian Open.

The 10-time champion at Melbourne Park stormed back from a set down to beat teenage wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2.

Basavareddy only made his professional debut a few weeks ago but proved he had the guts to face the tennis icon in his backyard, Rod Laver Arena. Afterwards, Djokovic was floored when he learned just how much the 19-year-old admired him.

Basavareddy put up a good fight but he started to cramp towards the end of the second set and eventually succumbed to the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

The world No. 107 has only recently emerged on the tour. He played in the Next Gen ATP Finals at the end of 2024 and, just two weeks ago, qualified for his first official ATP Tour main draw at the Brisbane International before reaching his maiden semi-final in Auckland.

The teenager made his Grand Slam debut on Monday and was given the ultimate test, facing Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena. He delivered, with Djokovic admitting he was the better player at the start of the match.

“Yeah, in the end it was great,” Djokovic said. “I think he was the better player for a set and a half, and he deserves every bit of applause that he got when he was exiting the court. Great performance.

Basavareddy would’ve been a new name and face to many Australian Open fans. And even Djokovic knew little about the young star. He added: “To be really honest with you, I’ve never seen him play up to maybe three, four days ago so I didn’t know much about him.

“These kinds of match-ups are always tricky, always dangerous when you’re playing someone who has nothing to lose. Obviously first match ever for him at the Grand Slam level. Just a very complete player, he did very pleasantly surprise me with all of his shots, with fighting spirit towards the end, so I wish him all the very best with his career.”

There was also something else Djokovic didn’t know about Basavareddy, as he was informed that the American had a photo of Djokovic as his WhatsApp display picture. “I don’t know what to say to that, to be honest!” the world No. 7 replied, taken aback.

“You know, obviously, I try not to think about those particular things when I’m on the court but I do appreciate the support and the appreciation – if that’s how I’m supposed to get that!

“He’s a nice boy. I mean, he’s a teenager still. I think if he keeps going this way, honestly, as I said, he didn’t get carried away by the significance of the moment.

“It’s not easy stepping out on the centre court for the first time and handling the nerves and all. He’s handed himself really, really well so I’m sure we’ll see a lot of him in the future.”

There was another major talking point in the match – it was the first time Andy Murray sat in Djokovic’s player box after signing up to be his coach for the Australian Open. While there has been plenty of hype surrounding their partnership, the world No. 7 made it clear that they were now in work mode.

“It’s all business now for us,” he stated. “I’m obviously thrilled to have him in my corner. I must say, it was a little bit of a strange experience to have him right 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 some great advice mid-match.

“I think it’s really good that we have an opportunity now to have allowed coaching now on the same side so can exchange some feedback basically and we can get our coaches to tell us what they really see from the side of the court.

“It’s a completely different angle and perspective when you’re watching from the side and he’s been doing really well. It’s been an enjoyable experience. Hopefully we don’t stop here.”