Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic survives Nishesh Basavareddy scare in first round, set to face Jaime Faria next

24-time champion Novak Djokovic survived a scare from USA’s Nishesh Basavareddy to start his Austraian Open 2025 men’s singles campaign on a winning note at the Melbourne Park on Monday. Aiming a record 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic fought back from a set down to beat the Indian-origin American 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and make a place in the second round. In the next round, the Serbian will face Jamie Faria. 

Despite going down in the first set, the 37-year-old dominated against his opponent as he delivered 22 aces in response to Basavareddy’s four. He will meet Portugal’s Faria who defeated Pavel Kotov of Russia 6-1, 6-1, 7-5.  

Among other results, Jannik Sinner recorded a straight-set win over Nicolas Jarry to begin his Australian Open title defense. The 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5), 6-1 victory on Rod Laver Arena extended Sinner’s winning streaks to 15 on both the tour and on hard courts in Grand Slams. 

Another 20-year-old American, Alex Michelsen, produced the biggest win of his young career with a 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 first-round upset of 2023 Australian runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas. Meanwhile, Carlos Alacaraz had it easy as the Spaniard breezed past Alexander Shevchenko 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 in a match that lasted close to two hours.me favourite 

Local favourite hope Nick Kyrgios, who returned to tennis after a long injury layoff, lost in the opening round against Britain’s Jacob Fearnley. The 21-year-old won the game 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2).