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Novak Djokovic survives Australian Open first-round match against Grand Slam rookie Nishish Basavareddy, coming from a set down 4-6 6-3 6 -4 6-2 win.
Just 19 years old and ranked 107th in the world, Basavareddy showed extraordinary strength, endurance and courage to win the first set at Rod Laver Arena, considering the American Having only turned pro last month and appeared in Australia as a wild card is a particularly impressive feat.
However, Djokovic, a ten-time champion in Melbourne, fought back and Basavaredi struggled with cramps and fatigue towards the end of the second set, with the Serb holding on under the watchful eye of coach Andy Murray. The game was leveled.
Djokovic and coach Andy Murray looked nervous and confused as Serb fell behind
The momentum carried over into the third set, with Djokovic getting the break he needed while Basavareddy struggled on first serve in the fourth game – something that had proven to be the case earlier in the match. A real threat – Djokovic was able to break serve and get the job done.
The 37-year-old is seeded seventh at this year’s Australian Open and will next face Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria.
Basavareddy, a 19-year-old American Grand Slam rookie and wild-card pick, was bothering Djokovic until he struggled with cramps
Djokovic: It was a strange experience to have Murray on my side of the court
Speaking from the sidelines after his win, Djokovic admitted it was “weird” to play in a Grand Slam with Andy Murray as coach.
“It’s a bit of a strange experience to have him playing in my box. We’ve been playing against each other at the highest level for over 20 years,” Djokovic said.
“It’s nice to be on the same side of the net with him. He gives me great advice during the game. It’s nice that we now have the opportunity to be allowed to coach on the same side.”
“When you look at it from the side, it’s a completely different angle. He did a really good job. It was a good experience. Hopefully we don’t stop there.”
Djokovic says having Murray on his side as coach was ‘a strange experience’
Djokovic has achieved at least one Grand Slam men’s singles victory in 21 seasons of his career, and only Roger Federer (22) has achieved as many season victories in the Open era.
“He (Basavareddy) deserves applause,” Djokovic added. “I’ve never seen him play. These games can be tricky.
“I’m pleasantly surprised. I’m sure we’ll see him a lot in the future.”
Djokovic also tied with Federer as the Grand Slam singles player with the most appearances in the Open era, playing a total of 479 games, winning 378 of them.
Alcaraz easily beats Shevchenko to advance to second round
Carlos Alcaraz beat Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko in imperfect but entertaining fashion 6-1 7-5 6-1 Alexander Shevchenko began his efforts to complete his career Grand Slam.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz is aiming to lift his first trophy at Melbourne Park and become the youngest man to win all four Grand Slam titles, with the 21-year-old making a slightly nervous debut. Very impressive after the game.
“I always say it’s hard work,” Alcaraz said. “I try to be the best version of myself every day. That’s the secret. I try to be a better person and a better player every day.”
Carlos Alcaraz proves Alexander Shevchenko’s superiority in Australian Open first round
The No. 3 seed, still adjusting to a new serve he had adopted in the offseason, saved a break point and then broke in the third game to take complete control of the first set and end the match with a double-quick time.
Alcaraz, the defending French Open and Wimbledon champion, hit some devastating winners from both sides to find her range and lead 3-1 in the second set, but world No. 77 Shevchenko Coe won the next four games, with the Margaret Court Arena fans rooting for the underdog.
Alcaraz came back into the game and created another break point with a fiery forehand winner and equalized in the tenth game, but his opponent once again felt the pressure and eventually lost the set.
With the momentum clearly shifting, Alcaraz, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, won two games in a row in the third set and hit a big ace on the fifth match point to set up a second-round match with Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka .
“He’s a very solid player,” Alcaraz said. “I have to focus on my shot. Hopefully I can enjoy the match, it’s going to be tough. I’ll try to play some good tennis for people to enjoy.”
Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s No. 10 seed Grigor Dimitrov withdrew due to injury and trailed Italy’s lucky loser Francesco Passaro 5-7 1-2. ), becoming the first top ten player to withdraw from the competition.
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